As South Africa’s food industry continues to expand, quality assurance has become a vital pillar for ensuring health, safety, and innovation. At the forefront of this movement is the Wakanda Food Accelerator, a dynamic initiative focused on nurturing skilled professionals in food safety and quality control. Its latest offering — the Quality Control Internship Programme — is designed to equip young graduates with hands-on experience, technical know-how, and exposure to the evolving standards of the food production ecosystem.
What is the Wakanda Food Accelerator?
The Wakanda Food Accelerator is an industry-led incubator and development platform tailored to empower emerging food entrepreneurs and technical professionals across Africa. With its strong focus on food innovation, value chain enhancement, and compliance, Wakanda serves as a launchpad for those determined to shape the future of food systems.
The Quality Control Internship Programme is a strategic skills development project aimed at bolstering South Africa’s capacity for world-class food quality assurance and compliance. Interns gain exposure to best practices in quality testing, laboratory processes, food safety regulations, and product integrity — all critical skills needed in both the local and global food sectors.
Programme Structure and Benefits
The internship runs for 12 months, during which selected candidates are placed in Wakanda-accredited food labs, production facilities, and partner food processing companies. Interns will be mentored by food technologists, microbiologists, and compliance officers who bring decades of experience to the table.
Key learning areas include:
- Food microbiology and contamination control
- HACCP, ISO 22000, and global food safety standards
- Raw material and finished product testing
- Traceability systems and documentation control
- Compliance audits and corrective action processes
Benefits of the programme:
- A monthly stipend to cover transport and living costs
- Hands-on laboratory and factory floor experience
- Job-readiness training and CV development workshops
- A certificate of completion and potential full-time employment offers upon completion
Who Should Apply?
The programme is open to South African graduates who hold a National Diploma or Degree in Food Technology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or Quality Management. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, unemployed, and passionate about food safety, innovation, and quality assurance.
Preference will be given to individuals from previously disadvantaged communities, women, and persons with disabilities — in alignment with Wakanda’s inclusive growth agenda.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- A certified copy of their ID
- A certified copy of their academic qualifications
- An updated CV with contactable references
- A short motivational letter (max 300 words)
Applications can be submitted via email to avengers@wakanda.org.za
DOWNLOAD THE WAKANDA FOOD ACCELERATOR QUALITY CONTROL INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME ADVERT HERE
Why This Internship Matters
Food safety is not just a regulatory requirement — it is a public health imperative. Through this programme, Wakanda Food Accelerator is not only addressing youth unemployment but is also shaping future leaders who will safeguard the integrity of what we eat.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or a passionate food quality enthusiast, this internship is your chance to turn theory into practice, gain valuable industry insights, and contribute to building a safer, more sustainable food system in South Africa.
CLOSING DATE: 14 JULY 2025
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