The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in partnership with Gamagara Local Municipality, has officially opened applications for the Youth Graduate Project (EPWP) 2026. This programme targets unemployed graduates who have completed at least a three-year qualification and are ready to contribute to environmental management and community development.

Participants will receive a daily stipend of R271.04 per day, making this one of the most competitive Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) graduate opportunities currently open.

Quick Overview

Programme Name: Youth Graduate Project (DFFE)
Partner Municipality: Gamagara Local Municipality
Programme Duration: 6 Months (2026)
Daily Stipend: R271.04 per day
Location: Gamagara Local Municipality (Kathu, Northern Cape)
Minimum Qualification: Completed 3-year qualification from a recognised Higher Education Institution
Closing Date: 27 February 2026
Application Method: Hand-delivered or posted (No email applications allowed)

Qualifications and Fields of Study Required

Applicants must have completed at least a three-year formal qualification from a recognised Higher Education Institution in one of the following fields:

Environmental Management
Environmental Science
Occupational Health and Safety
Horticulture
Ecology
Botany
Nature Conservation and Forestry

Important: You must have completed your qualification. Ongoing students do not qualify.

Demographic Targets

The programme aims to achieve the following:

100% Youth (as per project criteria)
60% Women
2% Persons with disabilities

Persons living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

What Will You Likely Be Doing?

Based on the fields of study, you can expect involvement in:

Environmental monitoring projects
Community-based environmental awareness programmes
Conservation initiatives
Waste management or sustainability projects
Forestry or biodiversity assessments
Occupational safety compliance support
Horticulture or landscaping support for municipal environmental spaces

This is practical exposure aligned to your qualification.

Requirements

To qualify for the DFFE Youth Graduate Project 2026, you must:

Be an unemployed South African citizen
Be classified as youth according to project criteria
Not have previously participated in any internship programme in the Public Service
Have completed a minimum 3-year qualification from a recognised institution
Clearly list your major subjects on your CV or attach your academic record

Important Notes:

Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of ID documents, qualifications, and academic transcripts
Incomplete, emailed, faxed, and late applications will NOT be considered
Correspondence will only be limited to successful candidates
If you do not hear back within 3 months after closing date, consider your application unsuccessful

How to Apply

You must submit:

Your updated CV
Certified copies of qualifications
Certified copy of your South African ID

Applications must be directed to:

Gamagara Local Municipality
Environmental Office
P.O. Box 1001
Kathu
8446

Alternatively, you may hand-deliver your application to:

CNR Hendrick Van Eck & Frikkie Meyer Road
Municipal Reception
Kathu

A box will be placed at reception for applications.

Closing Date: 27 February 2026

No online submissions are accepted. Do not email your application.

How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare

At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.

Recommended Tools:

Edupstairs Advice for Applicants

As a platform dedicated to youth employment guidance, here is how you should approach this opportunity strategically:

Tailor your CV specifically to environmental projects and fieldwork
Clearly list modules such as Environmental Impact Assessment, GIS, Conservation Biology, Occupational Risk Management, or Forestry Systems
Highlight any community volunteer work related to environmental initiatives
Include practical experience such as field surveys, lab work, internships, or research projects
Ensure your contact details are correct and professional

If you are unsure whether your qualification aligns perfectly, apply anyway if your course overlaps significantly with listed fields.

Career Growth Path After This Programme

Many graduates underestimate the long-term value of EPWP experience. Here is what this opportunity can unlock:

Entry into Environmental Officer roles
Opportunities in municipal environmental departments
Work with conservation agencies or NGOs
Application advantage for DFFE internships or permanent roles
Eligibility for postgraduate environmental studies
Occupational Health and Safety officer roles
Forestry and conservation field technician positions

Public sector experience strengthens your CV significantly, especially when applying for government vacancies or environmental compliance positions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I apply if I completed a Diploma?
Yes, as long as it is a completed 3-year qualification from a recognised Higher Education Institution.
Can I email my application?
Emailed applications will not be considered.
Is this a permanent job?
This is a 6-month EPWP programme.
How much will I earn?
You will earn R271.04 per day.
Can someone with disability apply?
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
What if I have done a private internship?
The requirement specifies no previous internship in the Public Service. Private sector internships may not automatically disqualify you.
Will I receive training?
You will gain practical on-the-job exposure aligned to environmental programmes.
What happens if I am not contacted?
If you do not hear back within 3 months after closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

CLOSING DATE: 27 FEBRUARY 2026

You can also:

Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)

No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.

Have you applied for this opportunity?

Total responses: 2

Disclaimers

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Edupstairs is not affiliated with DFFE or Gamagara Local Municipality. Always verify details on official government platforms before submitting your application. Never pay any fee for EPWP or government job applications.

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

Edupstairs TrustScore™

100 /100

Verified / Low Risk This is an evidence-based risk assessment to help applicants verify opportunities.

OrganisationGamagara Local Municipality

SourceOfficial social media (verified)

Open source link

Apply viaIn-person / Walk-in

ReferenceYouth Graduate Project (DFFE) 2026

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Gamagara Municipality & DFFE Youth Graduate Project (EPWP) 2026 Now Open