The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has officially opened applications for its 2026 – 2028 Internship Programme, offering unemployed South African graduates an opportunity to gain practical government workplace experience over a 24-month period.
For many graduates, obtaining a qualification is only the first step. One of the biggest challenges afterward is securing meaningful workplace exposure. Government internship programmes like this one help bridge that gap by allowing graduates to gain practical experience while earning a monthly stipend.
Successful applicants will be placed in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Germiston.
Programme Information
- Duration: 24 months
- Monthly Stipend: R8 174.75 Per Month
- Closing Date: 29 May 2026
- Locations: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Germiston
Why Government Internships Matter
Many South African graduates struggle to secure employment because employers often request previous workplace experience.
Internship programmes help graduates by:
- providing practical work exposure
- improving employability
- strengthening CVs
- developing workplace confidence
- helping graduates understand government systems
- building professional networks
- creating future employment opportunities
Although internships are temporary, they often become valuable stepping stones toward long-term careers.
Available Internship Opportunities
Financial Management Internship
- Reference Number: FM2026
- Posts Available: 2
- Location: Head Office, Johannesburg
Required qualifications:
- Financial Management
- Accounting Science
Interns may gain exposure to:
- government financial systems
- budgeting processes
- finance administration
- departmental financial activities
Rural Development Internship
- Reference Number: RD2026
- Posts Available: 1
- Location: Head Office, Johannesburg
Required qualifications:
- Developmental Studies
- related qualifications
Interns may assist with:
- rural development projects
- community programmes
- planning and implementation activities
Record Management Internship
- Reference Number: RM2026
- Posts Available: 1
- Location: Head Office, Johannesburg
Required qualifications:
- Archives and Records Management
- Library and Information Science
- related qualifications
Interns may assist with:
- records management
- archiving systems
- filing processes
- information management
Agro-Processing Internship
- Reference Number: AP2026
- Posts Available: 1
- Location: Head Office, Johannesburg
Required qualifications:
- Food Technology
- Food Science
- related qualifications
Interns may gain exposure to:
- agro-processing projects
- food science applications
- agricultural product value chains
Agricultural Engineering Internship
- Reference Number: RTDS 2026
- Posts Available: 1
- Location: Head Office, Johannesburg
Required qualifications:
- Agricultural Engineering
- related qualifications
Interns may assist with:
- engineering support services
- technical agricultural projects
- departmental engineering activities
Animal Health Internship – Pretoria
- Reference Number: AH2026/01
- Posts Available: 2
- Location: Pretoria
Required qualifications:
- Animal Health
- related qualifications
Interns may gain exposure to:
- veterinary support services
- disease prevention programmes
- animal health initiatives
Animal Health Internship – Germiston
- Reference Number: AH2026/02
- Posts Available: 2
- Location: Germiston
Required qualifications:
- Animal Health
- related qualifications
Interns may assist with:
- public animal health programmes
- agricultural support services
- animal health operations
Land Care Internship
- Reference Number: EES2026
- Posts Available: 1
- Location: Head Office, Johannesburg
Required qualifications:
- Project Management
- Public Management
Interns may gain experience in:
- land care projects
- environmental support initiatives
- project administration
- land management activities
General Internship Requirements
Applicants must:
- be unemployed South African graduates
- hold completed qualifications
- possess qualifications from accredited institutions
- not have previously participated in a Public Service internship programme
Preference may be given to applicants in support of representativity relating to:
- race
- gender
- disability
Documents Required
Applicants are required to submit:
- fully completed Z83 application form
- detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Important submission requirements include:
- documents must be submitted in PDF format
- all documents should be combined into one attachment
- JPEG or image submissions will not be accepted
Only shortlisted candidates will later be requested to submit certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents.
How to Apply
Applications must be emailed to:
GDARDInternship@gauteng.gov.za
Applicants must clearly quote the correct reference number in the subject line of the email.
Closing Date
The official closing date for applications is:
29 May 2026
Late applications may not be considered.
Important Information Applicants Should Know
The department stated that shortlisted candidates may undergo:
- personnel suitability checks
- practical assessments
- integrity assessments
- ethical conduct evaluations
Interviews will take place on dates determined by the department.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Tips to Improve Your Application
Complete the Z83 Form Properly
Many government applications are rejected because forms are incomplete or incorrectly filled out.
Ensure:
- all sections are completed
- contact details are accurate
- reference numbers are correct
Submit a Professional CV
Your CV should clearly include:
- educational background
- computer literacy
- volunteer experience
- communication skills
- leadership roles
- achievements and projects
Combine Documents Correctly
The department specifically requested a single PDF attachment.
Before submitting:
- confirm all pages are included
- ensure files open properly
- check that documents are readable
Apply Early
Avoid waiting until the final day because email systems can become overloaded close to deadlines.
Match Your Qualification Carefully
Apply only for internships aligned with your qualification field to improve your chances of shortlisting.
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