Mpumalanga Agriculture Graduate Placement Programme 2025/2027 (X140 Posts)

If you’re an unemployed Agricultural graduate in South Africa—especially from Mpumalanga—this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) is recruiting 140 Agricultural graduates for its 24-month Graduate Placement Programme running from 2025 to 2027. This programme is one of the province’s biggest investments in building young professional capacity in farming, food production, environmental sustainability, livestock management and rural development.

And if you’re truly passionate about agriculture, community upliftment, and practical on-the-ground impact, then this programme has your name on it.

Quick Overview

Opportunity	Mpumalanga Agriculture Graduate Placement Programme 2025–2027
Department	DARDLEA — Agriculture, Rural Development, Land & Environmental Affairs
Duration	24 months (Fixed-term contract)
Posts Available	140 Graduate Placements
Salary / Stipend	R94 326 per annum
Closing Date	12 December 2025 at 16:00
Who Can Apply?	Unemployed South African Agricultural graduates
Qualifications	National Diploma in Crop, Animal, Poultry, Mixed Farming, Livestock or Horticulture
Application Method	Z83 form + CV submitted to the relevant district office/email
Work Locations	Across multiple municipalities in Mpumalanga

About the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture

The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) plays a central role in ensuring food security, transforming agriculture, modernising farming practices, and supporting rural communities.

Their work impacts:

Crop and livestock production
Environmental sustainability
Rural socio-economic development
Land reform support
Agricultural extension services
Empowerment of emerging farmers

By creating youth-focused programmes such as this Graduate Placement Programme, DARDLEA ensures that young Agricultural professionals enter the sector with real, practical experience and hands-on technical skills.

This is also aligned with the province’s broader goals of:

Expanding local food systems
Enhancing job creation in rural towns
Strengthening agricultural value chains
Improving food security for vulnerable communities

What This Internship Offers

This is a structured 24-month fixed-term programme designed to give graduates:

Practical, on-the-job experience

You’ll work directly within agricultural directorates in municipalities across Mpumalanga.

Exposure to real farming conditions

You’ll gain experience in crop production, livestock farming, poultry, horticulture and mixed farming operations.

Mentorship from industry professionals

Agricultural technicians, extension officers and scientists will support your growth.

A stable income

You will earn R94 326 per annum, giving you both experience and financial stability.

Improved employability

Graduates from previous cycles have joined:

Provincial departments
Agricultural companies
Research institutions
NGOs
Private farms
Agribusiness supply chains

A strong foundation for long-term career success

This programme builds the confidence and work history required to compete for high-quality permanent roles.

Available Posts and Qualifications Required

Below is the full breakdown of the 140 posts across municipalities and the qualifications required.

CROP, LIVESTOCK & MIXED FARMING POSTS

Mkhondo Municipality

Crop & Livestock Production (X2) – National Diploma Animal/Crop Production
Crop Production – National Diploma Crop Production

Msukaligwa Municipality

Animal Production (X2) – National Diploma Animal Production
Crop & Animal Production (X2) – National Diploma Animal/Crop Production

Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality

Crop Production (X7) – National Diploma Crop Production
Crop & Animal Production – National Diploma Crop/Animal Production

Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme Municipality

Crop & Animal Production (X2) – National Diploma Crop/Animal Production
Animal Production – National Diploma Animal Production

Govan Mbeki Municipality

Mixed (Crop/Animal) Production
Poultry Production (X3) – National Diploma Animal Production
Vegetable Production (X3) – National Diploma Crop Production

Lekwa Municipality

Poultry Production (X10) – National Diploma Animal Production

Bushbuckridge South Municipality

Crop Production (X10)
Crop & Animal Production (X4)
Crop & Animal Production
Animal Production (X4)
Crop Production (X12)

Thaba Chweu Municipality

Animal Production (X4)

Mbombela Municipality

Crop Production (X9)

Umjindi Municipality

Mixed Production (X2)
Horticulture (X2)
Crop Production (X4)
Animal & Crop Production (X4)

Nkomazi Municipality

Crop Production (X11)
Animal Production (X3)

Emalahleni Municipality

Animal & Crop Production (X2)
Poultry & Vegetable Production (X2)
Vegetable Production (X2)

Thembisile Hani Municipality

Crop Production (X4)
Poultry & Crop Production (X2)

Steve Tshwete Municipality

Crop & Livestock Production (X2)
Horticulture/Crop Production (X2)

Emakhazeni Municipality

Crop & Livestock Production (X2)
Livestock Production (X2)

Dr J.S Moroka Municipality

Vegetables & Grains Production (X4)
Layers & Vegetables (X4)

Victor Khanye Municipality

Crop Production (X5)
Animal Production (X2)

Salary / Stipend

You will receive: R94 326 per annum (Approximately R7 860 per month)

This is a competitive stipend for graduate agricultural roles and is meant to support you throughout the 2-year contract.

Requirements

To qualify, you must:

Be a South African citizen
Be unemployed
Hold a National Diploma in Agriculture (Crop Production, Animal Production, Mixed Farming, Poultry, Horticulture or related field)
Be willing to work in rural and farming communities
Submit a completed Z83 form and CV
Quote the correct reference number

No work experience is required — this programme is specifically designed for new or recent graduates.

How to Apply

Applications must include:

A fully completed and signed new Z83 form

A comprehensive CV

(No need to attach certificates at this stage unless instructed.)

If applying for more than one post, submit separate applications with the correct reference numbers.

Where to Submit Your Application

Ehlanzeni District

Block 4, Aqua Street, Riverside Park, Mbombela
PO Box 266, Mbombela 1200
Email: dardlearecruitment-ehls@mpg.gov.za

Bohlabela District

101 Main Road, Thulamahashe
Private Bag X1321, Thulamahashe 1365
Email: dardlearecruitment-ehln@mpg.gov.za

Gert Sibande District

44 Church Street, Ermelo
Private Bag X9071, Ermelo 2350
Email: dardlearecruitment-gs@mpg.gov.za

Nkangala District

Ebhudlweni Building, Government Complex, KwaMhlanga
Private Bag X4017, KwaMhlanga 1022
Email: dardlearecruitment-nka@mpg.gov.za

DOWNLOAD THE MPUMALANGA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE VACANCIES ADVERT HERE

Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application

Edupstairs Advice

This is one of Mpumalanga’s largest graduate intakes — 140 posts is huge, and your chances are strong if you apply correctly.

Follow these tips:

Apply for more than one post (with separate applications)

Many graduates submit only one application — reduce your competition by applying smart.

Don’t wait for the deadline

Government inboxes get congested on the last day.

Use a clean, professional CV

You can use the Edupstairs Simple CV Builder to create a professional CV quickly.

Prepare for possible interviews

Start reading about:

Crop diseases
Livestock management
Poultry systems
Horticulture basics
Climate-smart farming

Be open to rural placements

These areas offer the most hands-on, career-transforming experience.

Career Growth Path After This Programme

After 24 months, you can confidently pursue roles such as:

Agricultural Extension Officer
Livestock Technician
Crop Production Supervisor
Farm Manager
Horticulture Technician
Poultry Technician
Environmental Assistant
Junior Agronomist
Rural Development Facilitator

This experience also makes you eligible for:

Government permanent posts
Commercial farm jobs
Research and laboratory positions
Agribusiness supply chain roles
SETA-accredited training programmes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Do I need experience to apply?

No. This programme is specifically for unemployed graduates with no previous work experience.

Can I apply for more than one post?

Yes — but you must submit separate applications for each reference number.

Do I need to attach certified copies?

Not at application stage unless instructed.

Is this a permanent job?

No. It is a fixed 24-month contract.

Will I be working on farms?

Yes, most roles involve hands-on work in rural and farming communities.

Can I apply if I studied a BTech or degree?

Yes. As long as your qualification matches the required field.

What happens after the 2 years?

You can apply for permanent posts, private sector jobs, or further training programmes.

Enquiries Contacts

Mr R.S Mhlongo / Ms K.L Mdlalose — (017) 819 2076
Ms O.S Ndhlovu — 076 461 4054
Mr D. Mathebula — 076 914 3883
Ms M.H Sekoma / Mr G. Ngwane — (013) 759 4000
Mr A. Kekana — 079 630 1770
Ms I.T Masombuka — 072 747 7776

CLOSING DATE: 12 DECEMBER 2025 AT 16:00

Late applications will not be considered.

You can also:

Disclaimers

Edupstairs is not the hiring organisation.
We do not accept applications on behalf of DARDLEA.
For full, updated details, always refer to the official vacancy circular.
Information is accurate at the time of publishing but may change.

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. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE