DFFE EPWP Project Support Opportunities 2026: Youth & Contractor Development Programme Now Open Across South Africa

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has officially opened applications for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Project Support opportunities for 2026. These opportunities are aimed at helping unemployed South African youth gain valuable work experience through a one-year fixed-term contract focused on Youth and Contractor Development.

For many young graduates struggling to enter the job market because of a lack of experience, this programme could become an important stepping stone into government administration, project coordination, training support, and development work. The programme also provides practical exposure to EPWP operations and government development processes while offering a monthly stipend of R8 800.

South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis continues to place pressure on graduates and job seekers. Programmes like this are designed to bridge the gap between qualifications and workplace experience. If you recently completed a National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree and are looking for government work experience opportunities, this opportunity deserves serious attention.

Quick Overview

Provinces and Centres Available

The opportunities are available across multiple provinces in South Africa. Applicants must clearly indicate the province, city/town, and reference number in their signed application letter.

Available Centres and Reference Numbers

Monthly Stipend

Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend of R8 800.

However, applicants should note that:

• No accommodation is provided
• Transport costs are the responsibility of the candidate
• Payment is based on actual days worked
• Statutory deductions such as UIF and PAYE may apply

This is important because many young applicants assume EPWP programmes function like permanent jobs with benefits. This programme is a temporary work opportunity intended mainly for skills development and workplace exposure.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for the programme, applicants must have:

• A recognised three-year Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma
• Qualification in a related field linked to training or development
• Zero to two years of relevant experience preferred
• Basic understanding of data management and reporting
• Basic understanding of EPWP and government structures
• Organising and coordination skills
• Stakeholder management and facilitation skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Computer literacy including Microsoft Office packages
• Willingness to travel and work under pressure when required

Candidates with exposure to project coordination, youth development, administration, training support, or government programmes may have an advantage during the shortlisting process.

What Will Successful Candidates Do?

The programme includes a variety of administrative and project support responsibilities. According to the official advert, successful candidates will assist with:

• Supporting youth empowerment and development projects
• Assisting with project planning and implementation
• Evaluating monthly project reports
• Supporting invoice evaluations and payment processes
• Uploading training information onto systems
• Monitoring compliance during project implementation
• Conducting site visits and compiling reports
• Filing project documentation
• Capturing project data
• Supporting completion report evaluations
• Assisting with Directorate administration duties

This means the programme is not simply office administration work. Participants may gain real exposure to project coordination, government reporting systems, training administration, and field monitoring.

Why This Opportunity is Important for South African Youth

One of the biggest barriers facing young South Africans is the “experience requirement” found in many job adverts. Graduates often complete their qualifications but struggle to enter the workforce because employers demand prior work experience.

Programmes like this help solve that problem by offering structured workplace exposure in a government environment.

Some of the benefits of joining programmes like this include:

• Building practical workplace experience
• Improving your CV
• Learning government systems and reporting structures
• Developing communication and coordination skills
• Expanding professional networks
• Increasing future employability

Even though the contract is temporary, the experience gained can become valuable for future applications in government departments, municipalities, NGOs, and private companies.

Important Application Instructions

Applicants must follow the instructions carefully. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Applicants Must Submit

• A signed application letter
• A recent detailed CV
• Correct reference number clearly stated
• Separate applications for multiple opportunities

Email Applications

Applications may be emailed to: EPS07-EPWP2026@dffe.gov.za

The subject line of the email must include the correct reference number.

Example: EPS23GP/2026

Postal Application Address

Applications can also be posted to:

The Director-General
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Private Bag X447
Pretoria
0001

Hand Delivery Address

Environment House
Erf 1563 Arcadia Extension 6
Corner Soutpansberg and Steve Biko Road
Arcadia
Pretoria

Applications hand-delivered for Group 01 to Group 11 must be placed in a box marked:

“EPWP PROJECT SUPPORT Group 01 to Group 11”

Important Notes Applicants Should Know

The department has also highlighted several important conditions:

• Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA
• Only successful candidates will be contacted
• Applicants may undergo screening and security vetting
• Criminal checks and qualification verification may be conducted
• The department may choose not to fill positions
• This is not a permanent position
• The programme operates on a “no work, no pay” principle

Applicants should therefore ensure that all information submitted is accurate and truthful.

How to Improve Your Chances of Being Shortlisted

Competition for government youth opportunities is usually very high. Here are practical ways to improve your application:

Tailor Your CV

Do not submit a generic CV. Highlight:

• Administrative experience
• Project support exposure
• Data capturing experience
• Microsoft Office skills
• Reporting experience
• Community or youth development involvement

Use a Professional Application Letter

Your signed application letter should:

• Mention the exact reference number
• Mention the province and centre
• Explain your interest in the programme
• Briefly explain why you are suitable

Double-Check Your Documents

Before applying:

• Ensure your CV is updated
• Confirm your contact details are correct
• Use the correct reference number
• Save documents clearly when emailing

Edupstairs Advice

At Edupstairs, we strongly encourage young people not to ignore temporary programmes simply because they are contract-based. Many successful careers begin through internships, EPWP projects, learnerships, or graduate programmes.

This opportunity is especially valuable for graduates who:

• Have little or no work experience
• Want government exposure
• Need practical project coordination experience
• Want to strengthen their CV
• Are struggling to secure permanent employment

Even one year of quality workplace exposure can significantly improve future employment prospects.

Apply early and avoid waiting until the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• When is the closing date?

The closing date is 29 May 2026.

• How much is the stipend?

Successful candidates will receive R8 800 per month.

• Is this a permanent job?

No. It is a one-year fixed-term contract.

• Can I apply for more than one province?

Yes, but you must submit separate applications for each opportunity.

• Do I need experience?

Preference will be given to candidates with 0–2 years of experience, but graduates with limited experience are encouraged to apply.

• Is accommodation provided?

No. Successful candidates are responsible for their own accommodation and transport costs.

• Can people with disabilities apply?

Yes. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

You can also:

• View latest Internships
• View latest Learnerships
• View Latest Bursaries
• View latest Government jobs
• View latest Company Vacancies
• View latest Municipality vacancies
• Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates

Disclaimer

Edupstairs shares opportunities for informational and educational purposes. We are not the official recruiters for this programme. Always verify details through the official Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment communication channels before applying.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY