MTPA Learnership 2026 – Conservation & Tourism Guiding, Deadline 28 Aug
Unemployed young South Africans in Mpumalanga can earn a salary while learning on the job in tourism and conservation – the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency is now accepting applications for its 12‑month learnership that starts in 2026.
What the learnership includes
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is offering 42 paid places in two NQF Level 2 programmes:
- Nature Conservation – Resource Guardianship
- Tourism Guiding
Each learner will receive a monthly stipend of R3 500 for a period of 12 months. Successful participants will earn a SAQA‑accredited certificate from CATHSSETA.
Who can apply
- South African citizens, aged 18–35
- Unemployed and not currently studying at a university or TVET college
- Grade 12 or equivalent
- Resident of Mpumalanga (proof of residence required)
- Willing to work outdoors and do practical tasks
- Never registered for or completed another learnership
- People with disabilities are encouraged to apply
What you will gain
- Practical experience in a nature reserve or tourism setting
- Structured training with an accredited provider
- A recognised NQF Level 2 qualification
- Networking opportunities with conservation and tourism professionals
- Monthly income while you study
How to apply – step by step
- Write a brief application letter. State clearly which programme you are applying for (Nature Conservation – Resource Guardianship or Tourism Guiding).
- Gather the required documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Grade 12 certificate
- Copy of South African ID
- Valid proof of residence in Mpumalanga
- Take the complete set of documents to the nearest MTPA station or nature reserve, or hand‑deliver them to the MTPA Head Office:
MTPA Head Office
N4 National Road
Hall’s Gateway
Mataffin
Security Gate - Do not email your application. The advertisement states that emailed or late submissions will be rejected.
- Submit before the deadline: 28 August 2026 at 16:00. Aim to submit a few days early to allow for travel or queues.
Tips to improve your chances (SETA SA guidance)
- Use a clear, one‑page application letter that mentions the exact programme.
- Keep your CV short (max two pages) and include:
- Contact details
- Education and any short courses
- Volunteer work, especially in outdoors or community projects
- Relevant skills (e.g., first aid, language abilities)
- Make sure your proof of residence matches the reserve you hope to be placed at – placements are based on where you live.
- Double‑check that every document is legible and signed where necessary.
- Include an active mobile number on your CV; MTPA will only contact shortlisted candidates.
- Arrive early at the submission point to avoid missing the deadline.
Placement details
Nature Conservation – Resource Guardianship (21 places)
| Base Station / Nature Reserve | Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Bushbuckridge Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Verloren Valei Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Songimvelo Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Barberton Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Mahushe Shongwe Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Mthethomusha Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Mdala Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Loskop Dam Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Mkhombo Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Mabusa Nature Reserve | 1 |
| SS Skosana Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Manyeleti Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Andover Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Total | 21 |
Tourism Guiding (21 places)
| Base Station | Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve | 7 |
| Songimvelo Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Barberton Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Loskop Dam Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Manyeleti Nature Reserve | 4 |
| Andover Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Dr Esther Mahlangu and Kgodwana Cultural Village | 2 |
| Total | 21 |
Contact information
For any questions about the learnership, you may call:
- Ms Bridget Mondlane
- Ms Funeka Nkosi
- Ms Nqobile Ngomane
Telephone: 013 065 0686 / 013 065 0677
What to expect after you apply
MTPA will only contact candidates who are shortlisted. If you do not hear back within three months of the closing date, you can assume the application was unsuccessful. Keep the phone number on your CV active during this period.
Frequently asked questions
- How many learnership spots are available? 42 in total – 21 for Nature Conservation and 21 for Tourism Guiding.
- What is the monthly stipend? R3 500.
- How long does the programme last? 12 months.
- Do I need a Grade 12 certificate? Yes.
- Can I apply if I live outside Mpumalanga? No – proof of residence in Mpumalanga is required.
- Can university or TVET students apply? No – you must not be currently enrolled in any tertiary institution.
- Can I apply if I have already done another learnership? No – you must not be registered for or have completed another learnership.
- Are people with disabilities welcome? Yes, they are encouraged to apply.
- Can I email my application? No – only physical submissions are accepted.
- Where do I submit my application? To the nearest MTPA station/nature reserve or hand‑deliver it to the MTPA Head Office (address above).
- Is a permanent job guaranteed after the learnership? No – the programme provides training and a qualification, but does not promise permanent employment.
- When will I hear back? Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, usually within three months of the closing date.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria and want to start a career in conservation or tourism, begin gathering your documents today. Write a focused application letter, double‑check everything, and deliver your file to the nearest MTPA office well before 28 August 2026. Good luck!
