The Department of Tourism, in partnership with Harambee and SANPARKS, has officially opened applications for the Integrated Service Excellence Programme 2025. This exciting initiative is designed to empower unemployed youth by creating opportunities in the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors. With a monthly stipend of R4,000.00, this programme not only provides financial support but also prepares young people to build sustainable careers in South Africa’s thriving tourism industry.
About the Programme
The Integrated Service Excellence Programme forms part of the Department’s broader commitment to improving service standards while addressing unemployment among South Africa’s youth. By collaborating with Harambee and SANPARKS, the programme ensures that participants gain practical, hands-on experience in real workplace environments such as tourism destinations, national parks, and hospitality establishments.
Applicants must reside within a 50-kilometre radius of the participating sites, ensuring that opportunities are directed to local communities most in need of development.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is targeted at young South Africans who are passionate about travel, tourism, and hospitality. The minimum requirements are as follows:
- Be a South African citizen aged 18 to 35 years
- Hold a Matric (Grade 12) certificate
- Have a passion for hospitality, travel, and tourism
- Be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays
- Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
Documents Required
Applicants shortlisted for the programme will need to submit:
- A certified copy of your Matric certificate
- A certified copy of your ID
- Proof of residence (such as a municipal bill, tribal authority letter, or bank statement with your address)
Failure to provide the correct documents will result in disqualification.
Important Note
Youth who have previously benefited from the Department’s learnerships or skills programmes are eligible to apply again, but they must declare this history in their application letter. Transparency is crucial, as the programme aims to reach as many young people as possible.
How to Apply
To apply, applicant must be registered on the sayouth.mobi website
- Pretoriuskop Rest Camp – Mpumalanga https://sayouth.mobi/View/DirectOpportunity…
- Berg en Dal Rest Camp – Mpumalanga https://sayouth.mobi/View/DirectOpportunity…
- Skukuza Rest Camp – Mpumalanga https://sayouth.mobi/View/DirectOpportunity…
Why Apply?
By joining this programme, participants will gain invaluable experience in the tourism and hospitality sectors, build professional networks, and improve their employability for future opportunities. With South Africa’s tourism industry rapidly recovering and expanding, trained youth stand to benefit from long-term career prospects.
Our Conclusion
The Integrated Service Excellence Programme 2025 is more than just a youth development initiative—it’s a gateway to a brighter future in one of South Africa’s most vibrant industries. If you meet the requirements and are passionate about creating memorable experiences for visitors, this is your chance to grow and shine in tourism and hospitality.
CLOSING DATE: 10 OCTOBER 2025
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