uMngeni Local Municipality has officially opened applications for Skills Development Opportunities in Plant Production and Poultry Production, both aligned to a National Certificate (NQF Level 2). This programme is aimed at unemployed youth, especially those already active (or aspiring to be active) in the agricultural sector.
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Applications are open now, with an extended closing date of 16 January 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme Name: Skills Development Opportunities – National Certificate
Fields of Study:
- Plant Production (NQF Level 2)
- Poultry Production (NQF Level 2)
Offered By: uMngeni Local Municipality
Target Group: Unemployed youth & youth entrepreneurs in agriculture
Minimum Education: Grade 10 – Grade 12
Duration: Over 3 months
Stipend: No stipend
Location: uMngeni Local Municipality (KwaZulu-Natal)
Closing Date: 16 January 2026 (Extended)
Application Method: Hand delivery to Municipal Offices
What Is the National Certificate (NQF Level 2)?
An NQF Level 2 National Certificate is a recognised qualification within South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework. It focuses on foundational knowledge, practical competence, and workplace readiness.
In simple terms:
- It’s entry-level, but highly practical
- It builds real skills, not just theory
- It can be used as a stepping stone to higher NQF levels
For agriculture, NQF Level 2 is especially important because it introduces:
- Safe farming practices
- Basic production planning
- Crop or livestock management fundamentals
Fields You Can Apply For
Applicants must clearly state which field they are applying for:
Plant Production (NQF Level 2)
This stream focuses on:
- Crop cultivation basics
- Soil preparation and care
- Plant health and maintenance
- Small-scale and subsistence farming practices
Perfect for youth interested in vegetable farming, small plots, community gardens, or commercial farming pathways.
Poultry Production (NQF Level 2)
This stream focuses on:
- Poultry care and handling
- Feeding and basic nutrition
- Hygiene and disease prevention
- Entry-level poultry business skills
Ideal for youth interested in chicken farming, egg production, or agri-business startups.
Minimum Entry Requirements (Who Can Apply?)
You may apply if you meet all or most of the following:
- Education: Grade 10, Grade 11, or Grade 12
- Residency: Resident of uMngeni Local Municipality (any of the 13 wards)
- Proof of address is required
- Availability: Able to commit for over 3 months
- Employment Status: Unemployed youth or youth entrepreneurs
- Sector Interest: Interest or involvement in agriculture
- Preference:
- At least 60% of selected youth should already be involved in agriculture
- Inclusivity:
- Youth living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply (proof required)
Required Documents for Application
Make sure your application is complete. Missing documents can disqualify you.
You must submit:
- Updated CV
- Covering letter
- Certified copy of Grade 10–12 school report or Matric certificate
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
Important Note:
You must clearly state whether you are applying for Plant Production or Poultry Production.
How & Where to Apply
Applications must be hand delivered.
Submission Location:
uMngeni Local Municipality Main Offices
(There is a submission box available with the security guards)
Closing Date: 16 January 2026 (Extended)
Enquiries Email: Sphe.mkhasibe@umngeni.gov.za
Admin/Enquiries Contact: 078 509 7573
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Important Notes You Must Know
- No stipend is provided
- Transport and personal costs are your responsibility
- This is a skills development programme, not a job
- The value lies in training, exposure, and certification
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 one thing clearly:
Skills + action beat qualifications alone.
If you’re applying:
- Make your cover letter personal — explain your interest in agriculture
- Mention any gardening, farming, or livestock experience, even informal
- Apply early, don’t wait for the last day
- Keep copies of everything you submit
Also, use this opportunity as a launchpad, not a final destination.
While waiting for feedback, we strongly recommend:
- Updating your CV properly
- Exploring other agricultural learnerships and internships
- Preparing for 2026/2027 funded programmes
Career Growth Path After This Programme
Completing this programme can open multiple pathways, including:
- Starting a small farming or poultry project
- Progressing to higher NQF agricultural qualifications
- Qualifying for SETA-funded learnerships
- Joining cooperatives or community farming initiatives
- Accessing municipal or provincial agriculture support programmes
- Building experience for internships, EPWP, or agri-project funding
This certificate strengthens your profile when applying for:
- AgriSETA programmes
- Government-funded agricultural initiatives
- NGO and development projects
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this programme paid?
No. There is no stipend.
- Can I apply if I only have Grade 10?
Yes. Grade 10–12 is accepted.
- Do I need farming experience?
Not strictly, but youth already involved in agriculture are preferred.
- Can people with disabilities apply?
Yes. Youth living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- Can I email my application?
No. Applications must be hand delivered.
- Will I get a certificate?
Yes. The programme leads to a National Certificate (NQF Level 2).
CLOSING DATE: 16 JANUARY 2026
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
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- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
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Disclaimer
- This article is published for informational purposes only
- Edupstairs is not affiliated with uMngeni Local Municipality
- Selection, training outcomes, and final decisions rest with the municipality
- Always verify details using the official contact information provided
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