Unlock Your Environmental Career: Gamagara & DFFE Youth Graduate Project (EPWP) 2026
Are you an unemployed graduate in South Africa with a passion for the environment? The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in collaboration with Gamagara Local Municipality, is offering an incredible opportunity through its Youth Graduate Project (EPWP) for 2026. This six-month programme is designed to equip you with invaluable practical experience, boost your skills, and pave the way for a successful career in environmental management and conservation.
What is the Youth Graduate Project (EPWP)?
This initiative falls under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), a government-led effort to provide employment opportunities and skills development. Specifically, this project aims to:
- Reduce graduate unemployment by providing structured workplace exposure.
- Strengthen critical environmental management initiatives within local communities.
- Support sustainable community development through practical interventions.
- Offer hands-on experience directly related to your academic background.
Participants will gain a real-world understanding of environmental challenges and solutions, working alongside professionals in a supportive environment.
Who Should Apply? Essential Qualifications
This programme is specifically looking for graduates who have completed a minimum three-year qualification from a recognized Higher Education Institution in one of the following fields:
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
- Horticulture
- Ecology
- Botany
- Nature Conservation and Forestry
Important: Please note that you must have already completed your qualification. Students who are still busy with their studies do not qualify for this particular programme.
Fostering Diversity: Demographic Targets
The Gamagara & DFFE project is committed to creating an inclusive environment and encouraging diverse participation. The programme specifically aims for:
- 100% Youth participation: Ensuring young South Africans are at the forefront of environmental action.
- 60% Women: Promoting gender equality in environmental careers.
- 2% Persons with Disabilities: Actively encouraging applications from individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal opportunities.
If you are a person living with a disability, your application is highly valued and strongly encouraged.
What to Expect: Duties and Exposure
Your daily tasks and learning experiences will be aligned with your specific qualification. You could be involved in a variety of crucial environmental activities, such as:
- Participating in environmental monitoring projects to assess local ecosystems.
- Engaging communities through environmental awareness and education programmes.
- Contributing to vital conservation initiatives aimed at protecting natural resources.
- Supporting waste management and broader sustainability projects.
- Assisting with forestry and biodiversity assessments.
- Providing support for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) compliance.
- Offering horticulture and landscaping assistance.
This is a chance to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical, impactful projects!
Are You Eligible? Key Requirements
To be considered for this exciting opportunity, make sure you meet the following criteria:
- You must be an unemployed South African citizen.
- You must fall within the 'youth' age bracket as defined by the project criteria.
- You should not have previously participated in a Public Service internship programme.
- You must have completed a minimum three-year qualification as listed above.
- Your CV or attached academic record must clearly list your major subjects.
How to Apply & Important Tips!
Ready to jumpstart your environmental career? Here’s how to apply and what you need to know:
Required Documents:
- An updated, comprehensive CV.
- A certified copy of your qualifications (all pages, not older than 3 months).
- A certified copy of your South African ID (not older than 3 months).
Application Method:
Please note, applications are strictly by hand-delivery or postal service only. No email or faxed applications will be accepted.
For Postal Applications:
Gamagara Local Municipality
Environmental Office
P.O. Box 1001
Kathu
8446
For Hand Delivery:
CNR Hendrick Van Eck & Frikkie Meyer Road
Kathu (Gamagara Local Municipality Offices)
Crucial Reminders:
- Ensure your application is complete and submitted well before the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will unfortunately not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and asked to provide certified copies of their documents for verification.
- Due to the high volume of applications, if you do not receive any feedback within three months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Don't Miss Out! Apply Before 27 February 2026
This is an excellent chance to gain practical experience, network with professionals, and contribute to South Africa’s environmental future. Make sure your application is meticulously prepared and submitted on time. Good luck!
