KZN Agriculture Internship 2026–2028: Applications Open for 24-Month Graduate Programme

Deadline: 5 December 2025
Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Introduction: A Lifeline for Young South African Graduates

Youth unemployment in South Africa remains one of the most critical socio-economic challenges facing the nation. Many graduates struggle to find meaningful employment opportunities, especially those without practical work experience. Recognizing this urgent need, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD) has launched its 2026–2028 Internship Recruitment Programme — a paid, structured internship designed to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and real-world employment in the agricultural sector. KZN Agriculture Internship 2026–2028

Running for 24 months, this internship aims to equip unemployed graduates residing in KwaZulu-Natal with essential professional skills and hands-on experience, helping them secure sustainable careers in agriculture, environmental management, and public service.

This programme is more than just an internship; it’s a government-backed initiative committed to youth empowerment, skills development, rural economic growth, and food security, which are vital pillars for KwaZulu-Natal’s socio-economic future.

About the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD)

The KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agriculture, food security, land care, and environmental stewardship across KwaZulu-Natal province. Beyond these essential duties, KZN DARD is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of agricultural professionals by providing targeted skills training and internships.

The department’s strategic focus on innovation and sustainability fosters a culture of leadership and growth in both rural and urban settings. The internship programme is part of KZN DARD’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth from previously disadvantaged communities and enhancing the agricultural sector’s resilience and productivity.

Programme Overview

Programme Name:	KZN DARD Internship Recruitment Programme 2026–2028
Duration:	24 Months (1 April 2026 – 31 March 2028)
Who Can Apply:	Unemployed South African graduates residing in KZN
Stipend:	Based on NQF level and DPSA guidelines
Total Positions:	62 across various academic disciplines
Application Deadline:	5 December 2025
Application Method:	Submit Z83 Form via post or hand delivery

Why This Programme Matters

Internships like this are vital stepping stones that accelerate career development. The KZN DARD internship is specifically designed to provide graduates with a meaningful opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in practical, real-world settings. The programme:

• Builds professional discipline and confidence.
• Enhances technical competence.
• Helps smooth the transition from education to employment.
• Offers paid work experience aligned with government career pathways.
• Prioritizes inclusion by supporting applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds and persons living with disabilities.

By offering such comprehensive training and exposure, the programme helps young South Africans to secure jobs and contribute meaningfully to KwaZulu-Natal’s agricultural economy.

Internship Fields and Reference Numbers

The internship placements cover a wide range of disciplines including scientific research, engineering, agriculture, business, and administrative functions. Each post has a specific reference number applicants must use.

BSc Degree (Honours) Positions (24-month contracts):

• Grassland Science – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/19/2025)
• Microbiology (Hons) – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/20/2025)
• Chemistry (Hons) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/21/2025)
• Biochemistry (Hons) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/21/2025)
• Plant Pathology (Hons) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/22/2025)
• Entomology – 1 post (Ref: HR5/23/2025)
• Biometry/Statistics – 1 post (Ref: HR5/24/2025)
• Agriculture: Horticulture – 1 post (Ref: HR5/25/2025)
• Agriculture: Pasture Science – 1 post (Ref: HR5/26/2025)
• Consumer Science – 1 post (Ref: HR5/27/2025)
• Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness – 1 post (Ref: HR5/28/2025)

National Diplomas & BTech Qualifications:

• Animal Health – 3 posts (Ref: HR5/29/2025)
• Office Administration / Business Management – 11 posts (Ref: HR5/30/2025)

Agriculture, Engineering, and Management Fields:

• BSc Agriculture/Civil Engineering (NQF 8) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/1/2025)
• BTech/Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering (NQF 7) – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/2/2025)
• Advanced Diploma in Agriculture (NQF 7) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/3/2025)
• ND/Advanced Diploma in Agriculture (NQF 6) – 4 posts (Ref: HR5/4/2025)
• Project Management (Postgraduate Diploma) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/5/2025)
• Human Resource Management/Development – 1 post (Ref: HR5/6/2025)
• Labour Relations – 1 post (Ref: HR5/7/2025)
• Operations and Production Management – 1 post (Ref: HR5/8/2025)
• Financial Management/Accounting – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/9/2025)
• Risk Management/Internal Control – 1 post (Ref: HR5/10/2025)
• Supply Chain Management – 3 posts (Ref: HR5/11/2025)
• Public Policy – 1 post (Ref: HR5/12/2025)
• Information Technology – 2 posts (Ref: HR5/13/2025)
• Public Relations/Media/Journalism – 1 post (Ref: HR5/14/2025)

Science & Agriculture Specialisations:

• Soil Science – 1 post (Ref: HR5/15/2025)
• GIS (Technologist) – 1 post (Ref: HR5/16/2025)
• Hydrology and Agrometeorology – 1 post (Ref: HR5/17/2025)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:

• Must be a South African citizen residing in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Must be unemployed graduates aged between 18 and 35 years.
• Must hold a relevant National Diploma, Degree, Honours, or Postgraduate qualification.
• Must be applying for a government internship programme for the first time.
• Must submit all required supporting documents.

Preference is given to:

• Youth from previously disadvantaged communities.
• Persons living with disabilities.
• Applicants from specified rural local areas within KwaZulu-Natal.

Note: Former interns of this programme are not eligible to reapply.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download the Official Application Form

Candidates must complete the official Z83 Application Form, which can be found on the KZN DARD website or other South African government portals.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

Your application must include:

• A signed application letter specifying the post reference number.
• Certified copies of your South African ID and Matric certificate.
• Certified copies of academic qualifications and transcripts.
• An updated CV with at least two contactable references.
• Proof of residence or an affidavit confirming your address.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Applications must be submitted either by post or hand delivery to one of the following addresses:

Postal Address:
The Director: Human Resource Development
Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200

Hand Delivery:

• Cedara Offices, R103 Cedara Road, Ground Floor, Main Building, Reception Area
• South Service Centre, 4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton, 3245
• North Service Centre (Richards Bay), Lot 11634, Corner of Verbena & Aloe Loop Street, Velden Vlei, Richards Bay

Important Notes

• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
• All certified documents must be legible and certified within the last three months.
• If you do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• Candidates from rural districts will receive preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who qualifies for the KZN Agriculture Internship Programme?

A: Unemployed South African graduates residing in KwaZulu-Natal who have completed a relevant diploma or degree qualification and meet the eligibility criteria.

Q2: Is the internship paid?

A: Yes, the programme offers a stipend based on the candidate’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level, aligned with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) guidelines.

Q3: How do I apply for the internship?

A: You must complete the Z83 Application Form and submit it by post or hand delivery along with certified supporting documents. Email applications are not accepted.

Q4: Can I apply for more than one internship position?

A: You may only apply for one position per qualification, ensuring you reference the correct post number in your application.

Q5: What supporting documents do I need to include?

A: Your application must include a certified copy of your ID, Matric certificate, academic qualifications, transcripts, a CV, proof of residence, and an application letter stating the reference number of the internship you are applying for.

Q6: Are previous interns allowed to apply again?

A: No, former interns are not eligible to reapply for this programme.

Q7: What happens if I do not receive feedback?

A: If you do not hear back within three months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Q8: Is the programme open to persons living with disabilities?

A: Yes, the programme encourages applications from persons living with disabilities and provides equal access to public sector opportunities.

Final Thoughts: Investing in South Africa’s Future

The KZN Agriculture Internship Programme 2026–2028 represents more than just an opportunity for young graduates to gain employment; it is a strategic investment in South Africa’s human capital and agricultural future. Graduates who participate in this programme will gain invaluable practical skills and professional experience that will enhance their employability and empower them to contribute meaningfully to KwaZulu-Natal’s food security, environmental sustainability, and rural development goals.

If you are a motivated, qualified graduate eager to start a career in one of South Africa’s most vital sectors, this internship is your stepping stone. Apply before the 5 December 2025 deadline and take your first steps toward a rewarding career in agriculture and rural development.

Start your journey today and be part of the change that strengthens South Africa’s agricultural landscape for generations to come!