The Makana Local Municipality, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), has officially opened applications for the EPWP Unemployed Youth Graduates Programme 2026, offering 20 fixed-term contract positions across critical environmental, administrative, and governance fields.
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This programme is designed to equip unemployed youth with real workplace exposure, practical skills, and professional experience within local government.
Quick Overview
- Programme Name: EPWP Unemployed Youth Graduates Programme
- Number of Posts: 20
- Employer: Makana Local Municipality
- Directorate: Public Safety and Community Services
- Contract Duration: 6 Months (Fixed-Term)
- Stipend: R271.04 per day
- Location: Makhanda, Alicedale, Riebeek East & surrounding rural areas
- Closing Date: 19 January 2026
Fields Available Under the EPWP Youth Graduates Programme
The programme is structured to support municipal priority skills and environmental sustainability. The available fields and number of candidates are as follows:
| Field | Number of Positions |
| Waste Management | 4 |
| Horticulture | 4 |
| Climate Change | 3 |
| Occupational Health and Safety | 2 |
| Human Resources Management | 2 |
| Financial Management | 2 |
| Public Administration | 2 |
| Communications | 1 |
Minimum Requirements
To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following:
- A recognised Degree or Diploma in:
- Environmental Management / Environmental Science
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Financial Management
- Human Resources
- Public Administration
- Communications
- Or an equivalent qualification
- Knowledge of environmental legislation, particularly within local government
- Understanding of how local government interacts with provincial and national government
- Must be a South African citizen with a valid SA ID
- Must be under the age of 35
- Must be medically fit
Selection Criteria
Makana Municipality has clearly stated the transformation targets for this programme:
- 100% Youth
- 60% Women
- 2% Persons with Disabilities
This means young women and persons living with disabilities are strongly prioritised
What You Will Gain From This Programme
Although the contract is for six months, the value is long-term:
- Practical local government experience
- Exposure to municipal operations and compliance
- Improved employability for future government and private sector roles
- Experience aligned with environmental and administrative career paths
- A monthly stipend to support you while gaining experience
This programme is especially powerful for graduates who have qualifications but no work experience.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted on the official Makana Municipality Application Form.
Documents Required:
- Completed official application form
- Comprehensive CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Certified copy of driver’s licence (if required for the role)
- Any other relevant supporting documents
Failure to submit all required documents will result in disqualification
Submission Methods
You can apply using one of the following methods:
Post:
The HR Manager
Makana Municipality
PO Box 176
Makhanda
6139
Hand Delivery:
86 High Street, City Hall
Makhanda
Email: epwp.recruitment@makana.gov.za
Important Notes from the Municipality
- Canvassing of councillors or officials will result in disqualification
- Preference will be given to local and internal municipal applicants
- Applications must comply with the Employment Equity Plan
- The municipality reserves the right not to fill all positions
- Late or faxed applications will NOT be accepted
Enquiries
For queries, contact: Human Resources Practitioner on 046 603 6110
Closing Date: 19 January 2026
No extensions will be granted.
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice to Youth Graduates
If you qualify, apply immediately. EPWP graduate programmes are highly competitive and often attract thousands of applicants.
Tips:
- Make sure your CV is clear and professional
- Match your qualification exactly to the field
- Apply early to avoid last-minute issues
- Keep copies of everything you submit
This is the kind of opportunity that bridges the gap between graduation and employment.
Career Growth After This Programme
Completing an EPWP graduate programme can open doors to:
- Environmental Officer roles
- Municipal administration posts
- Climate change and sustainability projects
- NGO and government internships
- Future permanent local government employment
This experience strengthens your CV and demonstrates practical governance exposure.
CLOSING DATE: 19 JANUARY 2026
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
This article is published for information purposes only. Edupstairs is not affiliated with Makana Municipality. Applicants must rely on official communication from the municipality.
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