South Africa’s agricultural sector has just received a major boost — and so have our unemployed graduates. The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform (DAERL) has officially opened applications for the 2025/26 Unemployed Agricultural Graduate Entrepreneurial Development Programme, offering 80 internship placements across all five district municipalities.
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If you hold an agriculture-related qualification and have been waiting for the right breakthrough, this may be the opportunity that finally sets your agribusiness or career journey into motion.
This is not just another internship. It is 24 months of paid, hands-on practical training, enterprise development support, and exposure to some of South Africa’s most dynamic agricultural environments — from crop production and hydroponics to livestock management, agro-processing, and nature conservation.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | 2025/26 Unemployed Agricultural Graduate Entrepreneurial Development Programme |
| Department | Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development & Land Reform (DAERL) |
| Positions Available | 80 internship placements |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Stipend | R7 860.50 per month |
| Who Can Apply? | Unemployed SA graduates aged 18–45 with agriculture-related diplomas/degrees |
| Application Method | Submit Z83, CV via post, email, or hand-delivery |
| Closing Date | 19 December 2025 (No late or incomplete applications accepted) |
| Contact for Enquiries | Mr Malebogo Mocwiri – 082 559 0827 |
What This Opportunity Is About
The Northern Cape MEC, Mase Manopole, has invited unemployed graduates to apply for a programme designed to bridge a critical gap in the agricultural value chain: skills, practical exposure, and enterprise readiness.
The programme provides:
- 24 months of structured, practical training
- Enterprise development exposure
- Technical coaching for agribusiness ventures
- Mentorship from agricultural professionals
- Real-world on-farm experience
The internship opportunities are spread across the Northern Cape’s five district municipalities and cover key agricultural commodities such as:
- Livestock production
- Crop cultivation
- Mixed farming
- Hydroponics
- Agro-processing
- Vineyard/raisin production
- Nature conservation and game management
This is truly a rare chance — especially because the programme prioritizes first-time entrants into government internships, women, and persons with disabilities.
About The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture
The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform (DAERL) is the provincial authority responsible for supporting agricultural development, protecting the environment, driving rural economic transformation, and ensuring land reform implementation.
The Department plays a key role in:
- Promoting sustainable agriculture
- Building the capacity of young professionals
- Developing rural economies
- Supporting agribusiness ventures
- Ensuring conservation and responsible land use
By launching this graduate programme, DAERL demonstrates its ongoing commitment to strengthening the next generation of agricultural experts and entrepreneurs who will feed the future and grow the provincial economy.
Who can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be an unemployed South African graduate aged 18–45
This programme is targeted at young and mature graduates who are still seeking employment opportunities.
Hold a recognised qualification in:
- Agriculture
- Environmental Affairs
- Nature Conservation
- Environmental Management
- Related fields
Diploma and degree holders are welcome.
- First-time entrants into government internship programmes
If you’ve never participated in a government internship before, you’re a priority.
- Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
This supports inclusivity and equal access to opportunities.
Benefits You Will Receive
- Stipend
R7 860.50 per month
This ensures financial support while you gain experience.
- Duration
24 months
A full two-year programme — long enough to gain mastery, build networks, and prepare for full-time roles.
- Practical Skills
Real training in:
- Farm operations
- Production cycles
- Agribusiness processes
- Conservation practices
- Project management
- Entrepreneurship
- Enterprise Development
Graduates who dream of launching farming businesses will receive:
- Coaching
- Mentorship
- Exposure to funding routes
- Agribusiness readiness training
How To Apply
Submit the following documents:
- A fully completed and signed Z83 Form
Download the latest version here
- A comprehensive CV
Include:
- Contact information
- Education
- Work/volunteer experience
- Skills & competencies
- Quote the correct reference number
This ensures your application reaches the correct enterprise/placement.
Application submission options:
You may submit via:
- Post
- Hand-delivery
Contact Information
General Enquiries: Mr Malebogo Mocwiri – 082 559 0827
Media Inquiries: Mr Stephen Galane – Media Liaison Officer – Cell: 065 707 9152
Email: sgalane@daerl.co.za | sgalane30@gmail.com
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- 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
This is a golden opportunity for young people struggling to break into the agricultural industry. Here’s how to stand out:
- Write a strong motivational section in your CV
Highlight your passion for agriculture and rural development.
- Apply early
Government internships close fast due to high demand.
- Prepare for interviews
Be ready to discuss:
- Climate change
- Food security
- Sustainable agriculture
- Your long-term agribusiness ideas
Consider this internship as a stepping stone
Two years of exposure can change your entire career trajectory.
Career Growth Path After This Programme
After completing this internship, graduates can grow into roles such as:
Agricultural Extension Officer
Advising farmers on new technologies, production practices and sustainability.
Farm Manager
Running all operational aspects of a large-scale farm.
Agro-processing Technician
Working in food processing, packaging and value-added agriculture.
Environmental & Conservation Practitioner
Working in nature reserves, conservation areas or environmental NGOs.
Agribusiness Entrepreneur
Starting businesses in poultry, livestock, crops, hydroponics, or agro-processing.
Government Technician / Officer
Working in provincial or national agricultural departments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is this internship only for Northern Cape residents?
Not necessarily, but priority may be given to applicants living in the province.
- Can I apply if I have previous government internship experience?
No, only first-time government interns may apply.
- Can TVET graduates apply?
Yes. Diploma holders in relevant fields are encouraged to apply.
- Do I need experience?
No experience is required.
- Will I be permanently employed after the internship?
There is no guarantee, but the programme significantly increases your employability and entrepreneurial readiness.
- Will I work on farms?
Yes. Expect fieldwork, hands-on activities, and hands-on agricultural exposure.
CLOSING DATE: 19 DECEMBER 2025
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
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DISCLAIMER
This article is a rewritten summary of the official advert. Edupstairs is not the hiring organisation. Always refer to the official instructions and contact details provided by the Department.
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