The Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), has officially opened applications for a Young and Unemployed Graduate Programme under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
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This is not just another short-term placement. It’s a six-month structured opportunity aimed at skills development, job creation, and practical exposure—especially for youth who have qualifications but lack work experience.
Quick Overview
Programme Name: Young & Unemployed Graduate Programme (EPWP)
Organisation: Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality
Partner: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
Programme Duration: 6 months
Location: Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape
Field: Environmental Studies / Environmental Management
Minimum Requirement: Grade 12 + Diploma or Degree in Environmental Studies (or equivalent)
Experience Required: None
Closing Date: 9 January 2026 at 15h00
Application Method: Hand-delivered / Physical submission
Target Group: Youth, women, and people living with disabilities
Who Can Apply?
You qualify if you meet the following:
Minimum Educational Requirements
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- Diploma or Degree in Environmental Studies or an equivalent qualification
This can include:
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Science
- Nature Conservation
- Sustainable Development
- Related environmental fields
Experience
- No previous work experience required
This programme is specifically designed for unemployed graduates, so don’t disqualify yourself just because you haven’t worked before.
What Will You Actually Do? (Duties & Responsibilities)
Participants will be involved in activities such as:
- Supporting environmental management initiatives within the municipality
- Assisting in programmes aimed at strengthening SMMEs
- Participating in community-based environmental projects
- Gaining exposure to local government operations
- Supporting initiatives that address environmental challenges
This is practical exposure, not just observation. You’ll be learning how environmental policies and projects work on the ground.
Important Conditions You Must Know
- Participants may not engage in any other employment while enrolled
- This is a full commitment EPWP programme
- The programme duration is six months only
- Selection is competitive due to high demand
Required Documents
Your application must include ALL of the following:
- Application Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of qualifications (not older than 6 months)
- Certified copy of ID document
Incomplete applications risk automatic disqualification.
How to Apply
Applications must be physically submitted to:
The Municipal Manager
Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality
No. 8 Somerset Street
Fort Beaufort, 5720
P.O. Box 36, Fort Beaufort, 5720
Closing Date: 9 January 2026 at 15h00 (strictly)
Late applications will not be considered.
Equity & Inclusion
The municipality strongly encourages applications from:
- Youth
- Women
- People living with disabilities
This aligns with national employment equity and EPWP transformation goals.
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 (Read This Carefully)
At Edupstairs, we’ve seen thousands of young people miss opportunities because of poor preparation. Here’s how to stand out:
- Use a clean, professional CV (avoid fancy designs)
- Tailor your application letter to environmental impact & community service
- Highlight projects, volunteering, or coursework if you lack work experience
- Certify documents early—don’t wait until the last day
- Deliver your application before the deadline
Pro tip: Use the Edupstairs CV Builder and Cover Letter Generator to polish your application before submission.
Career Growth Path After This Programme
Completing this programme can open doors to:
- Environmental Officer roles
- Municipal environmental projects
- NGO and NPO environmental work
- SMME support initiatives
- Further EPWP or government programmes
- Environmental internships & learnerships
- Private sector environmental compliance roles
Many EPWP graduates later secure:
- Contract roles
- Internships
- Permanent employment
- Further funded training
Your experience & municipal reference becomes a powerful career asset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this programme paid?
EPWP programmes usually provide a stipend, although the exact amount is not stated in the notice.
- Can final-year students apply?
No. You must have completed your qualification.
- Can I email my application?
No. Applications must be physically submitted.
- Is this a permanent job?
No. It is a 6-month fixed EPWP programme, but it builds experience.
- Will I get a certificate?
Most EPWP programmes issue proof of participation upon completion.
- What if I live outside Fort Beaufort?
You may still apply, but be prepared to relocate or commute.
CLOSING DATE: 09 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 opportunity is advertised directly from the municipality
- Edupstairs is not a hiring authority
- Always verify details with the official address provided
- No fees are required to apply
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