Unemployed South African youth who have completed Matric and want to gain their first meaningful workplace experience have an opportunity to apply for the Rohlig-Grindrod Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026/2027.
Rohlig-Grindrod is recruiting young people for a 12-month YES workplace programme within its logistics and supply-chain operations. Opportunities are available in Sandton/Johannesburg, Gauteng; Durban, KwaZulu-Natal; Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape; and Cape Town, Western Cape.
Check if you Qualify for this Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme before you Apply
The programme is particularly accessible because applicants do not need a university degree or years of previous work experience. The principal educational requirement is a completed Matric with at least 50% in English and Mathematics.
Successful applicants will receive on-the-job training and workplace exposure within the freight forwarding, logistics and supply-chain environment.
Applications for the advertised opportunities close on 15 November 2026, and the programme is expected to commence in 2027.
Quick Overview: Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme 2026/2027
| Programme Detail | Information |
| Organisation | Rohlig-Grindrod |
| Programme | Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme |
| Industry | Logistics and Supply Chain |
| Programme Type | YES Workplace Experience |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Minimum Qualification | Matric / Grade 12 |
| English Requirement | At least 50% |
| Mathematics Requirement | At least 50% |
| Age Requirement | Not older than 35 |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Employment Status | Must be unemployed |
| Previous YES Participation | Must not have previously completed a YES Programme |
| Locations | Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape |
| Programme Start | 2027 |
| Closing Date | 15 November 2026 |
What Is the Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme?
The Youth Employment Service programme is intended to give young South Africans workplace experience that can strengthen their employability and help them make the transition from education into employment.
For the Rohlig-Grindrod intake, the opportunity is particularly relevant to young people interested in logistics, freight forwarding, supply chain management and operations.
Rohlig-Grindrod describes the opportunity as suitable for Matriculants who have an interest in logistics and want exposure to the dynamic freight-forwarding and supply-chain environment.
Successful applicants will participate in a 12-month contract and receive on-the-job training.
This is important for applicants who repeatedly encounter the same problem when searching for entry-level employment: “I need experience to get a job, but I need a job to get experience.”
A YES placement can help bridge that gap by providing structured workplace exposure that can later be added to your CV.
Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme Locations
The five official vacancies supplied for this intake are not all for Sandton. Rohlig-Grindrod is recruiting across several South African offices.
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Sandton / Johannesburg, Gauteng
The Gauteng YES opportunity is advertised under the JHB Division and will be based at Rohlig-Grindrod’s Head Office in Linbro Park, Johannesburg.
The advertised job location is Sandton, Gauteng.
It is a 12-month contract within the Operations functional area and is classified as an entry-level opportunity.
Apply for the Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme – Sandton/Johannesburg
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Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Eastern Cape applicants can apply for the opportunity based at the company’s PE offices in Walmer.
This is also an entry-level, 12-month opportunity within Operations.
Apply for the Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme – Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth
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Durban Sea Freight, KwaZulu-Natal
Rohlig-Grindrod is also recruiting YES participants for its Sea Freight Division in Durban.
This placement will be based at the company’s Grindrod House Branch in Durban.
The vacancy is within Operations and runs for 12 months.
Apply for the Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme – Durban Sea Freight
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Cape Town, Western Cape
Western Cape applicants can apply for the YES opportunity based at Rohlig-Grindrod’s Cape Town offices in Airport City.
The placement is within Operations and provides an entry-level route into the logistics and supply-chain environment.
Apply for the Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme – Cape Town
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Durban Air Freight, KwaZulu-Natal
There is a second Durban opportunity specifically within the Air Freight Division.
Successful applicants for this vacancy will be based at the company’s Durban Airfreight office near King Shaka International Airport.
Apply for the Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme – Durban Air Freight
Applicants should select the opportunity that corresponds with the location where they can realistically participate in the programme.
Official Requirements
According to the Rohlig-Grindrod advertisements, applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Have completed Matric / Grade 12;
- Have achieved at least 50% in English;
- Have achieved at least 50% in Mathematics;
- Be a South African citizen;
- Be not older than 35 years;
- Be currently unemployed; and
- Have not previously completed a YES Programme.
These are the employer’s advertised requirements and should be checked carefully before applying.
Do You Need Previous Work Experience?
The vacancies are aimed at young people entering the workplace.
The Sandton, Gqeberha, Cape Town and Durban Air Freight opportunities are identified as Entry Level, while the Durban Sea Freight vacancy lists minimum experience as Not Applicable.
This makes the programme particularly important for unemployed Matriculants who are struggling to secure their first formal workplace opportunity.
Do not disqualify yourself simply because your CV does not contain several years of employment history.
Instead, make sure your application clearly demonstrates your education, interests, transferable skills and willingness to learn.
Skills Rohlig-Grindrod Is Looking For
Meeting the minimum academic requirements is only one part of the application.
Rohlig-Grindrod also identifies several advantageous attributes.
Candidates should ideally demonstrate:
- Customer-service orientation;
- Ability to work in a demanding customer environment;
- Good problem-solving skills;
- Decision-making ability;
- Ability to work under pressure;
- Ability to meet deadlines;
- Good communication;
- Ability to contribute positively within a team; and
- Adaptability in a constantly changing working environment.
These competencies make sense within logistics.
Freight forwarding and supply-chain operations can involve deadlines, customer requirements, documentation, coordination between multiple parties and changing operational circumstances.
What Will Successful YES Participants Receive?
Rohlig-Grindrod specifically states that on-the-job training will be provided.
This workplace exposure could help participants develop practical competencies that are difficult to obtain from classroom learning alone.
Depending on the placement and tasks assigned, exposure to a logistics environment can help a young person begin understanding areas such as freight operations, customer service, documentation, supply-chain processes, operational communication, teamwork, deadlines and professional workplace conduct.
Applicants should remember, however, that the advertisement does not promise permanent employment after the programme.
Treat the 12 months as an opportunity to build experience, references, professional networks and demonstrable workplace skills.
Documents You Should Prepare
Rohlig-Grindrod asks qualifying applicants to submit:
- A comprehensive CV;
- Matric certificate; and
- South African ID.
Before uploading your documents, check that they are readable and correctly named.
Your CV should clearly show your:
- Full name;
- Contact number;
- Email address;
- Location;
- Matric qualification;
- Subjects and results where appropriate;
- Relevant skills;
- Volunteer or community experience where applicable; and
- Any other legitimate experience that demonstrates responsibility or workplace readiness.
Because the programme specifically requires minimum results in Mathematics and English, applicants should make sure their Matric documentation clearly verifies these results.
Why This Opportunity Matters for Matric Applicants
One of the strongest features of this programme is that the entry requirement starts at Matric.
Many opportunities in logistics and supply-chain management are advertised for candidates who already hold Diplomas or Degrees.
Rohlig-Grindrod’s YES programme provides another entry point: workplace exposure first.
A successful YES placement could therefore become the beginning rather than the end of your career development.
After gaining experience, you could investigate further qualifications in areas such as:
- Transport and Logistics;
- Supply Chain Management;
- Freight Forwarding;
- Business Management;
- Operations Management;
- Procurement;
- International Trade;
- Warehousing;
- Distribution;
- Import and Export Management; or
- Logistics Management.
Explore Logistics Careers Before You Apply
Applicants should use the programme as an opportunity to think about the career they ultimately want to build.
The Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer allows you to search South African careers and SAQA qualifications in one place.
The database currently contains more than 1,500 OFO careers and over 22,000 SAQA qualification records, allowing young people to investigate occupations, NQF levels, qualifications and possible career-to-qualification connections.
Try searching for terms such as:
Logistics, Supply Chain, Freight, Transport, Procurement, Warehouse, Operations, Import, Export and Distribution.
This can help you understand how a 12-month workplace opportunity could fit into a much longer career pathway.
Not Sure Which Career Suits You?
If you are still unsure whether logistics, operations or supply-chain work suits your interests, use the Edupstairs Career Discovery assessment.
The Career Discovery tool uses a 30-activity occupational-interest assessment to help users identify careers that may align with the types of work they enjoy.
It is not an eligibility test and does not determine whether you qualify for a particular job or qualification. Instead, it can help you explore possible career directions before making education and employment decisions.
Explore TVET College Logistics and Business Pathways
Matric should not necessarily be the end of your education.
South Africa’s 50 public TVET Colleges offer vocational, occupational and NATED/Report 191 pathways across a range of fields.
Use the Edupstairs TVET College Explorer to compare all 50 public TVET Colleges, programmes, campuses, application information and admission resources.
Applicants interested in logistics and related careers can investigate programmes associated with fields such as Transport and Logistics, Business Management, Marketing, Financial Management, Management Assistant and other business or occupational programmes.
The exact programme availability differs by college, so always check the individual college and current application information.
Explore University Supply Chain and Logistics Pathways
Young people who meet university admission requirements can also investigate Diploma and Degree pathways.
The Edupstairs University Explorer allows prospective students to research South African universities, programmes, APS requirements, required school subjects, application information and other admission resources.
Depending on the institution, relevant fields could include Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transport Economics, Operations Management, Business Management, Commerce and related disciplines.
Your career plan could therefore develop along a pathway such as:
Matric → YES workplace experience → further qualification → additional workplace experience → permanent employment → career progression.
There is no single pathway that every applicant must follow.
Find QCTO-Accredited Training Providers
Applicants considering occupational training should verify the provider before enrolling or paying money.
The Edupstairs QCTO Accredited Provider Database allows users to search active QCTO accreditation records for Skills Development Providers and Assessment Centres across South Africa.
The database currently contains thousands of provider organisations and can be filtered by province.
This can be particularly useful when investigating occupational qualifications and training providers after completing a workplace programme.
Explore TETA and Other SETA Opportunities
Because Rohlig-Grindrod operates within logistics and freight forwarding, applicants should also understand South Africa’s SETA system.
The Edupstairs SETA Platform brings together all 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities and more than 1,000 programme and pathway records.
For transport and logistics applicants, the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) is particularly relevant.
The SETA Platform can also help young people investigate:
- Learnerships;
- Apprenticeships;
- Internships;
- Work Integrated Learning;
- Graduate programmes;
- Skills programmes;
- Occupational qualifications;
- Bursaries;
- Workplace experience; and
- Youth-development programmes.
Do not make Rohlig-Grindrod your only application.
Use the YES programme as one part of a wider employment strategy.
Latest Learnership Opportunities to Consider
While waiting for feedback from Rohlig-Grindrod, unemployed applicants should continue applying for other suitable programmes.
Some current opportunities worth investigating on Edupstairs include:
Hollard Learnership Programme for Unemployed Youth – an insurance-sector learnership pathway for unemployed South African youth.
Applicants interested in administration can also explore the Sasol Administration Learnership Programme 2026, while young people interested in technical and industrial careers should monitor the latest Sasol and artisan-development opportunities published on Edupstairs.
You can also use the Edupstairs SETA Platform to investigate learnership pathways across all 21 SETAs rather than depending on individual employer vacancies.
The strongest strategy is:
Apply → continue searching → apply again → build skills → investigate qualifications → keep multiple applications active.
Do not submit one application and spend several weeks waiting for an answer.
How to Apply for the Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme
Applications are submitted online through the official Rohlig-Grindrod recruitment platform.
Choose the vacancy that matches your preferred location:
- Gauteng: Apply for the Sandton/Johannesburg YES Programme
- Eastern Cape: Apply for the Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth YES Programme
- KwaZulu-Natal: Apply for the Durban Sea Freight YES Programme
- Western Cape: Apply for the Cape Town YES Programme
- KwaZulu-Natal: Apply for the Durban Air Freight YES Programme
Before submitting, verify that you have selected the correct location.
Application Checklist
Before clicking submit, make sure:
- You have completed Matric;
- You achieved at least 50% in English;
- You achieved at least 50% in Mathematics;
- You are a South African citizen;
- You are not older than 35;
- You are unemployed;
- You have not previously completed a YES Programme;
- Your CV is updated;
- Your cellphone number is correct;
- Your email address works;
- Your Matric certificate is readable;
- Your ID copy is readable;
- You selected the correct Rohlig-Grindrod location; and
- You submit your application before the closing date.
Closing Date
Applications close on: 15 November 2026
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day.
Online recruitment systems can become busy, documents can fail to upload and applicants sometimes discover errors in their CVs only when completing the application.
Apply early where possible.
Tools you may find useful:
- Money Finder
- SETA Platform
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice
If you meet the requirements, this is an opportunity worth considering, particularly if you have Matric but little or no formal work experience.
However, think beyond the immediate 12-month placement.
Use the experience to understand how logistics businesses operate. Learn the terminology. Ask questions. Develop your Excel and computer skills. Improve your professional communication. Understand freight documentation. Learn how customer service operates. Observe how operations teams solve problems and meet deadlines.
Most importantly, find out which part of the industry interests you.
You may discover an interest in freight forwarding, supply chain planning, warehousing, procurement, air freight, sea freight, customer service, imports and exports or operations management.
Then use the Career & Qualification Explorer and Career Discovery tools to investigate the occupation, the TVET College Explorer and University Explorer to investigate further study, the QCTO Accredited Provider Database to verify occupational training providers, and the SETA Platform to find additional workplace-development opportunities.
A YES placement can give you experience.
The bigger objective should be turning that experience into a career pathway.
Explore More on Edupstairs
- Career planning: Discover careers that match your interests → Explore South African careers and qualifications
- Further study: Explore all 50 public TVET Colleges → Explore South African universities and courses
- Occupational training: Search QCTO-accredited Skills Development Providers
- Skills development: Explore all 21 SETAs, learnerships and skills programmes
- Current opportunity: Apply for the Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme in Sandton/Johannesburg, Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth, Durban Sea Freight, Cape Town or Durban Air Freight.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Rohlig-Grindrod YES Programme?
It is a 12-month Youth Employment Service workplace opportunity providing eligible unemployed South African youth with on-the-job training and workplace exposure within the logistics and supply-chain industry.
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Where are the opportunities located?
The supplied vacancies cover Sandton/Johannesburg, Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Durban. There are two separate Durban opportunities covering Sea Freight and Air Freight.
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Is the programme only in Sandton?
No. Sandton is one of the advertised locations, but the current recruitment also includes Eastern Cape, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal opportunities.
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When does the programme start?
Rohlig-Grindrod states that the programme commences in 2027.
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How long is the programme?
The advertised contract term is 12 months.
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Do I need Matric?
Yes. Applicants must have completed Matric / Grade 12.
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What marks do I need?
Applicants need at least 50% in English and Mathematics.
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What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be South African citizens and not older than 35.
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Can employed people apply?
The advertised criteria state that applicants must be unemployed.
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Can I apply if I have already completed a YES Programme?
No. Rohlig-Grindrod states that applicants must not previously have completed a YES Programme.
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Do I need previous work experience?
These are entry-level/YES opportunities. Several of the advertisements explicitly classify the minimum experience as Entry Level, while the Durban Sea Freight vacancy lists experience as Not Applicable.
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What documents are required?
Applicants are asked to submit a comprehensive CV, Matric certificate and ID.
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Is training provided?
Yes. Rohlig-Grindrod states that on-the-job training will be provided.
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Is permanent employment guaranteed afterwards?
The advertisement describes a 12-month YES contract. It does not state that permanent employment is guaranteed after completion.
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When do applications close?
The advertised closing date is 15 November 2026.
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
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- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is an independent education, careers and opportunities information platform and is not Rohlig-Grindrod or the Youth Employment Service. Programme information may change, and applicants should always verify the latest requirements, location, closing date and application instructions on the official recruitment platform before submitting an application.
Never pay anyone to submit a job, learnership, internship or YES application on your behalf.
Editorial Integrity
This article was prepared using the official Rohlig-Grindrod recruitment advertisements and Edupstairs’ own career, qualification, university, TVET College, QCTO-provider and SETA research platforms. Requirements attributed to Rohlig-Grindrod are separated from Edupstairs career-planning guidance so applicants can distinguish official eligibility conditions from additional advice.
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
