Are you a young South African looking for a paid, hands‑on role in building maintenance right now? The National Youth Service (NYS) Building Maintenance Programme 2026 has opened 350 positions across Mpumalanga, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What is the opportunity?
The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, together with the Department of Employment and Labour, is offering an 18‑month National Youth Service programme. Successful applicants will work on government sites in the four Mpumalanga districts and receive a monthly stipend of R5 000.
Who can apply?
You must be a South African citizen, aged 18‑35, and meet one of the educational routes below:
Route 1 – Grade 12
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
Route 2 – N3
- Mathematics
- Engineering Science
Route 3 – NCV Level 3
- Relevant National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 3 in Engineering
A valid South African ID document is also required.
What will you gain?
- Stipend: R5 000 per month
- Contract length: 18 months
- Practical experience: landscaping, painting, bricklaying, plastering, tiling, carpentry, door‑ and window‑fitting, glass work, plumbing and basic electrical tasks
- Workplace skills: productivity, citizenship, and professional values
- Exposure to a network of government facilities that can help you decide on a long‑term trade.
How to apply – step by step
- Gather your documents: ID, Matric/N3/NCV certificates, and any work‑experience records.
- Create an account or log in to the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system.
- Enter your personal details, education, and any relevant skills or experience.
- Search for the correct opportunity using the ESSA Opportunity Reference shown in the official advertisement (e.g., MPU‑MBOM‑xxxxxx).
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Attend the compulsory briefing on 19 October 2026.
Apply or register through the official ESSA Online portal
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check the ESSA Opportunity Reference so you apply for the right site.
- Make sure your Matric/N3/NCV certificates show the required subjects clearly.
- Include any short‑courses, volunteer work, or informal experience in construction or maintenance.
- Prepare a concise personal statement that highlights your interest in building maintenance and your willingness to learn.
- Attend the briefing on 19 October – it is mandatory and provides crucial information about the next steps.
Additional Trade Test opportunities
Separate from the 350 NYS posts, the department is also offering Trade Test positions in five trades. These require higher technical qualifications and work experience.
Plumbing
- Reference: MPU‑MBOM‑2881800‑20260922‑5
- Minimum academic: N2, NCV Level 3/4, Technical Grade 11/12, or equivalent QCTO plumbing qualification.
- Experience: 3 years in plumbing (or 18 months with higher qualification).
Electrical
- Reference: MPU‑MBOM‑28818008‑20260922‑2
- Minimum academic: N2, NCV Level 3/4, or equivalent electrical qualification.
- Experience: completed apprenticeship or 3 years recognised electrical work.
Welding
- Reference: MPU‑MBOM‑28818008‑20260922‑4
- Academic routes similar to other trades.
- Experience: apprenticeship or RPL plus 3 years welding work.
Bricklaying & Plastering
- Reference: MPU‑MBOM‑28818008‑20260922‑3
- Academic: N2 or relevant engineering/technical qualification.
- Experience: 3 years in bricklaying or plastering.
Carpentry
- Reference: MPU‑MBOM‑28818008‑20260922‑1
- Academic: N2, technical or engineering qualification.
- Experience: 3 years in carpentry.
Where are the 350 NYS posts located?
The posts are spread across government facilities in the four districts.
Ehlanzeni – 87 posts
- Malekutu Cost Centre
- Mbombela Cost Centre
- Barberton Hospital
- Rob Ferreira Hospital
- Themba Hospital
- Tonga Cost Centre
- Tonga Hospital
- Shongwe Hospital
Bohlabela – 87 posts
- Acornhoek Cost Centre
- Malamule Cost Centre
- Pilgrims Rest
- Mashishing Cost Centre
- Sabie Hospital
- Matibidi Hospital
Nkangala – 88 posts
- eMalahleni General Hospital
- Middelburg Cost Centre
- Delmas Cost Centre
- Belfast Hospital
- Machadodorp Hospital
- KwaMhlanga Cost Centre
- Siyabuswa Cost Centre
- Vaalbank Cost Centre
- Mmametlhake Hospital
Gert Sibande – 88 posts
- Elukwatini District Office
- Embhuleni Hospital
- Mayflower Cost Centre
- Carolina Hospital
- Piet Retief Hospital
- Msukaligwa District Office/Ermelo
- Ermelo Hospital
- Amajuba Hospital/Volksrust
- Elsie Ballot Hospital/Amsterdam
- Lekwa District Office/Standerton
- Standerton Hospital
- Greylingstad Cost Centre
- Evander Hospital
- Bethal Hospital
Next steps
Check the official advertisement for the exact ESSA Opportunity Reference that matches the site you prefer. Register on ESSA, upload your documents, and submit before 7 October 2026 at 10:00. Then mark 19 October 2026 on your calendar for the mandatory briefing.
Whether you join the 18‑month NYS programme or apply for a Trade Test, use this chance to start a clear career path in construction, engineering, or skilled trades.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the official National Youth Service & Trade Test advertisement. Verify all details—references, qualifications, sites, dates, and application instructions—on the original notice and the ESSA system before you apply.
SETA SA is not the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, the Department of Employment and Labour, or ESSA. SETA SA does not recruit, shortlist or select applicants and cannot guarantee placement.
Never pay anyone who claims they can secure an NYS position, apprenticeship, Trade Test opportunity or government placement for you.
Editorial integrity
The numbers of posts, stipend, contract length, age range, education requirements, district allocations, site listings, trade categories, workplace‑experience requirements, application period and compulsory briefing are taken directly from the supplied recruitment advertisement.
The career advice, links to SETA SA resources, and suggested pathways are provided solely to help you understand how this opportunity can fit into a longer‑term skills development plan.
