Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Graduate Placement Programme Vacancies. The closing date for applications is 12 December 2025 at 16:00.
What’s the Opportunity?
If you finished an Agricultural degree in South Africa and haven’t yet started a job—especially if you’re from Mpumalanga—this could be the perfect chance for you. The provincial government is looking for 140 fresh graduates to join a two‑year training and working programme that will give you hands‑on experience in farming, livestock care, crop management, and more.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Mpumalanga Agriculture Graduate Placement Programme (2025‑2027) |
| Department | DARDLEA – Agriculture, Rural Development, Land & Environmental Affairs |
| Length | 24 months (fixed‑term contract) |
| Salary | R94 326 per year (about R7 860 a month) |
| Apply by | 12 December 2025, 16:00 |
| Who can apply | Unemployed South African graduates in agriculture |
| Needed diploma | National Diploma in Crop, Animal, Poultry, Mixed Farming, Horticulture or similar |
| Where to work | Various towns and rural areas across Mpumalanga |
Why This Programme Matters
The Department of Agriculture is a key part of Mpumalanga’s plans to keep food safe, modernise farms, and help rural communities thrive. By joining this programme, you will:
- Get real farm experience: work on crop fields, cattle pastures, poultry sheds, and vegetable gardens.
- Learn from experts: technicians, extension officers, and scientists will mentor you.
- Earn a steady paycheck: a secure salary while you learn and grow.
- Boost your future chances: after the two years, many graduates land permanent roles in government, private farms, research labs, or big agribusinesses.
What You’ll Do
The programme is split into different job types, each focusing on a specific area of agriculture. Below is a simple guide to the main posts you can apply for, grouped by the towns that need them.
Crop, Livestock, and Mixed Farming
| Town | Positions | Diploma Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Mkhondo | Crop & Livestock Production (2) | Animal/Crop Production |
| Crop Production | Crop Production | |
| Msukaligwa | Animal Production (2) | Animal Production |
| Crop & Animal Production (2) | Animal/Crop Production | |
| Chief Albert Luthuli | Crop Production (7) | Crop Production |
| Crop & Animal Production | Crop/Animal Production | |
| Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme | Crop & Animal Production (2) | Crop/Animal Production |
| Animal Production | Animal Production | |
| Govan Mbeki | Mixed (Crop/Animal) Production | – |
| Poultry Production (3) | Animal Production | |
| Vegetable Production (3) | Crop Production | |
| Lekwa | Poultry Production (10) | Animal Production |
| Bushbuckridge South | Crop Production (10), Crop & Animal Production (4), etc. | – |
| Umjindi | Mixed Production (2), Horticulture (2), Crop Production (4), Animal & Crop Production (4) | – |
| Nkomazi | Crop Production (11), Animal Production (3) | – |
| Emalahleni | Animal & Crop Production (2), Poultry & Vegetable Production (2), Vegetable Production (2) | – |
| Thembisile Hani | Crop Production (4), Poultry & Crop Production (2) | – |
| Steve Tshwete | Crop & Livestock Production (2), Horticulture/Crop Production (2) | – |
| Emakhazeni | Crop & Livestock Production (2), Livestock Production (2) | – |
| Dr J.S Moroka | Vegetables & Grains Production (4), Layers & Vegetables (4) | – |
| Victor Khanye | Crop Production (5), Animal Production (2) | – |
(If you see a position that matches your diploma, consider applying for it.)
Salary and Benefits
You’ll earn a yearly salary of R94 326. That works out to roughly R7 860 a month—enough to cover living costs while you learn the ropes. In addition to the salary, you’ll gain valuable experience that many employers look for.
How to Qualify
To be eligible:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be currently unemployed.
- Hold a National Diploma in one of the agriculture fields listed.
- Willing to work in rural communities where most farms are located.
- Submit a filled Z83 application form and a clear CV.
- Use the correct reference number for each job you apply to.
You do not need previous work experience—this is a training programme for fresh graduates.
How to Apply
What you need to send
- A completed, signed Z83 form (this is the official application form).
- A simple, clean CV that lists your education and any volunteer or student projects. (You don’t need to attach certificates right away.)
- If you want more than one job, send a separate application for each with the right reference number.
Where to send it
| District | Address | |
|---|---|---|
| Ehlanzeni | Block 4, Aqua Street, Riverside Park, Mbombela PO Box 266, Mbombela 1200 | dardlearecruitment-ehls@mpg.gov.za |
| Bohlabela | 101 Main Road, Thulamahashe Private Bag X1321, Thulamahashe 1365 | dardlearecruitment-ehln@mpg.gov.za |
| Gert Sibande | 44 Church Street, Ermelo Private Bag X9071, Ermelo 2350 | dardlearecruitment-gs@mpg.gov.za |
| Nkangala | Ebhudlweni Building, Government Complex, KwaMhlanga Private Bag X4017, KwaMhlanga 1022 | dardlearecruitment-nka@mpg.gov.za |
Send your application before the deadline—applications received after 12 December 2025 at 16:00 will not be considered.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Apply to more than one position if you qualify. Submit each request separately.
- Don’t wait until the last minute. Government email folders can get full.
- Use a tidy, professional CV layout. A simple template makes it easier to read.
- Study a few basics that may come up in an interview:
- Crop diseases and how to prevent them.
- Basic livestock care and animal health.
- Poultry management basics.
- Horticulture care for vegetables and fruit.
- Climate‑smart farming ideas.
- Be ready for rural work—most roles will take you to farm sites and small towns.
After the Two‑Year Programme
When the contract ends, you will be ready for a wide range of jobs, such as:
- Extension Officer – teaching farmers new techniques.
- Livestock Technician – caring for and monitoring animal health.
- Crop Supervisor – overseeing large farming operations.
- Farm Manager – running a whole farm’s day‑to‑day activities.
- Horticulture Technician – growing fruits, veggies, and flowers.
- Poultry Technician – managing chicken or other bird farms.
- Environmental Assistant – helping protect natural resources.
- Junior Agronomist – working on research and crop improvement.
- Rural Development Facilitator – supporting community projects.
You could also move into permanent roles in the government, private farms, research labs, or agribusiness companies. Some graduates continue with more training and get specialised certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have worked before applying?
No. The programme is made for recent graduates with no prior work experience.Can I apply for multiple posts?
Yes. Just send a separate application for each job reference number.Do I need to attach copies of my certificates?
Not yet—unless the job specifically asks for it.Is this a permanent job?
It is a 24‑month contract. After that, you can look for a permanent position.Will I be working on farms?
Yes. Most placements involve real farm work in rural settings.Can students with a BTech or degree apply?
Yes, as long as their qualification matches the required field.What happens after the programme ends?
You can apply for permanent posts in the government or the private sector, or pursue further training.
Contact Information
If you have questions, call or text the people listed below:
- Mr. R.S. Mhlongo / Ms. K.L. Mdlalose – (017) 819 2076
- Ms. O.S. Ndhlovu – 076 461 4054
- Mr. D. Mathebula – 076 914 3883
- Ms. M.H. Sekoma / Mr. G. Ngwane – (013) 759 4000
- Mr. A. Kekana – 079 630 1770
- Ms. I.T. Masombuka – 072 747 7776
The deadline remains 12 December 2025 at 16:00. Submit your application before this time to be considered.
