Finding a solid internship now can give you a foot‑step into a career while the job market tightens. The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) is opening its 2026–2028 internship programme, and the slots are limited.
What the opportunity is
The DLRRD is offering paid internships in land reform, agrarian transformation and rural development. The programme runs for 12 months and is available in all nine provinces. Interns start in June 2026, June 2027 or June 2028, depending on the intake round.
Who can apply
- South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Age 18 – 35 years.
- Hold a National Diploma, Bachelor’s or Honours degree in agriculture, rural development, economics, law, planning, environmental science, or a related field.
- Good academic standing (minimum 60 % average).
- No criminal record.
- Valid South African ID and proof of qualification.
What you gain
- Monthly stipend of approximately R8 000.
- Hands‑on experience with national land‑policy projects.
- Mentorship from senior DLRRD officials.
- Professional networking across government and NGOs.
- Possibility of permanent employment after successful completion.
How to apply
- Visit the official application portal: DLRRD Internships 2026–2028.
- Register using your email address and create a password.
- Fill in the online application form with personal details, education history and work experience.
- Upload the required documents (PDF format):
- Certified copy of ID.
- Academic transcript and degree certificate.
- Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages).
- Cover letter addressing the internship’s relevance to your goals.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Review all information, then submit before the deadline (15 April 2026 for the 2026 intake, 15 April 2027 for the 2027 intake, and 15 April 2028 for the 2028 intake).
- You will receive an automated confirmation email. Keep a copy of the reference number for future queries.
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your CV to highlight coursework or projects related to land reform, rural development or community engagement.
- Write a concise cover letter (no more than one page) that explains why you are interested in the DLRRD’s mission.
- Proof‑read every document to avoid spelling or formatting errors.
- Submit all files as PDFs and keep them under 2 MB each.
- Register on the SETA SA portal early so your profile is ready when you apply.
- Ask a mentor or career counsellor to review your application before you hit ‘submit’.
Next steps
Start gathering your documents now and set a reminder for the application deadline. Even if the competition is strong, a well‑prepared application can set you apart. Good luck – your experience in land reform could begin this June.
