Unemployed South Africans — especially young people looking for government work experience — now have a major opportunity to step into public service. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has officially opened applications for multiple Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) positions for 2026, offering paid short-term employment across several districts in the province.

This recruitment drive forms part of an important Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) campaign, aimed at strengthening animal health monitoring, vaccination tracking, and rural agricultural support systems. Beyond temporary employment, these roles provide valuable administrative, technical, and field experience that can open doors into agriculture, government administration, veterinary services, and data management careers.

Quick Overview

Organisation: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Programme: Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)
Positions Available:

EPWP Administration Clerks (22 posts)
EPWP Animal Health Technicians (60 posts)
EPWP Data Capturers(80 posts)

Location: Various districts across KwaZulu-Natal
Remuneration:

Administration Clerk: R400 per day
Data Capturer: R400 per day
Animal Health Technician: R500 per day

Closing Date: 11 March 2026
Application Method: Z83 Form + CV via email or hand delivery

Available Positions

EPWP Administration Clerk (22 Positions)

Daily Rate: R400 per day

Districts Include:

uMkhanyakude
Zululand
King Cetshwayo
uMzinyathi
Harry Gwala
uMgungundlovu
uThukela
Amajuba
iLembe
uGu
eThekwini

Minimum Requirements:

Grade 12 (Matric)
No experience required
Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Access)
Communication and organisational skills
Teamwork and report writing ability

Key Duties:

Capture livestock vaccination statistics
Maintain administrative records
File documentation and permits
Assist logistics coordination
Support community awareness campaigns

This role suits applicants interested in administration, office work, or government clerical careers.

EPWP Animal Health Technician (60 Positions)

Daily Rate: R500 per day

Requirements:

National Diploma in Animal Health (NQF Level 6)
Registration with South African Veterinary Council
Valid driver’s licence
1–2 years relevant experience

Key Duties:

Implement disease control measures
Conduct animal health services
Assist with quarantine services
Collect samples and enforce compliance
Provide farmer support and extension services

This role is ideal for qualified animal health graduates seeking field experience.

EPWP Data Capturer (80 Positions)

Daily Rate: R400 per day

Requirements:

Matric certificate
No experience required
Computer skills essential
Strong attention to detail

Core Responsibilities:

Record animal identification numbers
Capture vaccination information
Maintain digital databases
Upload real-time campaign data
Generate daily and weekly reports

Participants will work with digital reporting tools and contribute to real-time monitoring systems.

Core Duties Across the Programme

Participants may assist with:

Maintaining vaccination databases
Linking animal records to farm owners
Uploading geo-stamped activity data
Monitoring vaccinated vs unvaccinated animals
Cold-chain vaccine management support
Producing tracking and early warning reports
Filing administrative documentation
Liaising with field officers and farmers

Competencies and Attributes Required

The department specifically highlights the following qualities:

Ability to work under pressure
Strong teamwork skills
High data accuracy
Willingness to work weekends or extended hours during campaigns
Good communication abilities
Organizational discipline

These competencies reflect real workplace expectations — meaning participants gain authentic professional exposure.

How to Apply

Applicants must follow official public service procedures.

Step 1: Complete the Z83 Form

Use the updated Z83 application form: Download Here

Step 2: Prepare Documents

Include:

Completed Z83 form
Comprehensive CV

Certified copies are only required if shortlisted.

Step 3: Submit Application

You may apply via:

Email:

Hand Delivery / Courier:

South Service Centre – Hilton
North Service Centre – Richards Bay
Head Office – Cedara Road, Pietermaritzburg

Important Rules

Submit ONE application per reference number.
Late applications will not be accepted.

How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare

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

Recommended Tools:

Edupstairs Advice: How to Stand Out

If you want to increase your chances:

Tailor your CV to administration or data skills.
Highlight computer literacy clearly.
Mention teamwork or community involvement.
Show willingness to work in rural environments.
Keep your Z83 form neat and fully completed.

Small details often determine shortlisting decisions.

Career Growth Path After This Programme

Many EPWP participants use these roles as stepping stones into stable careers.

Possible pathways include:

Government Administration Clerk positions
Agricultural extension services
Veterinary support roles
Data administration careers
Municipal EPWP supervision roles
NGO agricultural programmes
Private farming sector administration

Experience gained here strengthens future applications for DPSA vacancies and learnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need experience?

No experience is required for Administration Clerk and Data Capturer roles.

Is this a permanent job?

No. EPWP positions are temporary but provide work experience and income.

Can graduates apply?

Yes — especially for Animal Health Technician posts.

Will shortlisted candidates submit certified documents?

Yes, only after being contacted.

What happens if I receive no feedback?

If you are not contacted within three months after closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

CLOSING DATE: 11 MARCH 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

Applicants must verify details through official government communication channels.
The department reserves the right not to appoint.
EPWP participation does not guarantee permanent employment.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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.

OrganisationKwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

SourceOfficial social media (verified)

Open source link

Apply viaIn-person / Walk-in

ReferenceKZN_AGRIC_EPWP2026

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KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture Opens EPWP Jobs for 2026 (X160 Posts)