You have just finished Matric and are eager to start earning, but every job listing asks for experience you haven’t had a chance to gain. The Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027 offers a way to break that cycle right now.
What the opportunity is
The Department of Tourism is launching a 12‑month Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery Skills Programme. Successful participants will receive a daily stipend of R200 while they train in hospitality.
- Organisation: South African Department of Tourism
- Programme: Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027
- Fields: Food & Beverage Services, Professional Cookery
- Duration: 12 months
- Stipend: R200 per day
- Minimum qualification: Matric / Grade 12
- Age range: 18–35 years
- Target group: Unemployed youth
- Provinces: Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng
- Persons with disabilities: Encouraged to apply
- Application method: Online Microsoft Forms
- Closing date: 18 October 2026
Who can apply (eligibility)
To be considered you must meet all of the following:
- Be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 35.
- Hold a Matric (Grade 12) certificate.
- Be fluent in English.
- Be currently unemployed.
- Have no previous participation in any Department of Tourism learnership or skills programme.
- Provide a certified copy of your ID, proof of residence, and your Matric certificate.
- Submit an up‑to‑date CV.
- Be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays.
- Persons living with disabilities are specifically encouraged to apply.
What you gain (benefits and skills)
The programme covers two main training streams:
Professional Cookery
- Food preparation techniques (basic to advanced)
- Kitchen hygiene and food safety
- Safe handling and storage of ingredients
- Use of professional kitchen equipment
- Food presentation and plating
- Kitchen organisation, teamwork and communication
- Time‑management and working under pressure
Food and Beverage Services
- Customer service and guest interaction
- Restaurant service procedures
- Serving food and drinks, table preparation
- Menu knowledge and upselling
- Professional communication and handling requests
- Hygiene and service standards
- Teamwork and general restaurant operations
Completing the programme does not guarantee a job, but it gives you industry‑recognised skills that will make your CV stand out. Employers in restaurants, hotels, lodges, catering companies and tourism establishments value the practical experience you will acquire.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
Step 1 – Verify your eligibility
Check that you meet the age, education, location and documentation requirements listed above.
Step 2 – Gather required documents
- Curriculum Vitae (updated)
- Certified copy of your ID document
- Matric certificate (original or certified copy)
- Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill or municipal rates document)
All files should be clear and legible. Incomplete submissions will be rejected.
Step 3 – Open the application form
Apply Online for the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027
Step 4 – Complete the online questionnaire
Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your ID. Select the province and town that match the advertised locations (see list below). Upload the documents you prepared in Step 2.
Step 5 – Submit and confirm
Review all entries, then click ‘Submit’. Keep a screenshot or note of any confirmation number you receive.
Important: The deadline is 18 October 2026. Submitting early avoids technical glitches and gives you time to correct any errors.
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your CV to highlight any informal cooking or service experience (family events, school catering, community projects).
- Write a concise cover letter that explains why hospitality interests you and how the stipend will help you focus on training.
- Double‑check that the town you select matches one of the approved locations (see “Where the programme is available” below).
- Make sure all documents are certified and clearly legible; a blurry scan can lead to disqualification.
- Do not claim previous participation in any Department of Tourism learnership if you have not been accepted.
Where the programme is available
Northern Cape
- Kuruman and Kathu
- Upington
- Springbok
Eastern Cape
- Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
- Lusikisiki
- Mthatha
Free State
- Phuthaditjhaba and Harrismith
- Sasolburg and Parys
- Kroonstad and Viljoenskroon
North West
- Potchefstroom
- Mafikeng (Mahikeng)
- Klerksdorp
Limpopo
- Specific town not listed – applicants should contact the Department to confirm eligibility.
Mpumalanga
- Specific town not listed – applicants should contact the Department to confirm eligibility.
Gauteng
- Specific town not listed – applicants should contact the Department to confirm eligibility.
KwaZulu‑Natal and the Western Cape are not included in this intake. If you live outside the listed towns, verify your eligibility before applying.
What happens after you apply?
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The Department will only contact those who make the shortlist. If you have not heard back within two weeks after the 18 October deadline (approximately 1 November 2026), you can assume you were not selected.
Next steps and further learning
If you are interested in building a longer‑term career in hospitality, consider exploring the following resources:
- SETA SA Career & Qualification Explorer – research occupations, NQF levels and qualification pathways.
- SETA SA QCTO Accredited Provider Database – verify that any additional culinary training you consider is officially accredited.
- SETA SA TVET College Explorer – find public TVET colleges offering hospitality, tourism or culinary programmes.
- SETA SA University Explorer – compare university courses in tourism management, hospitality and related fields.
These tools help you plan what to study after the 12‑month programme, whether you aim for a cook’s certificate, a chef’s qualification, or a management diploma.
Contact details
For any questions about the programme, you can reach the Department of Tourism at:
Telephone: 012 444 6649
Email: msebilolane@tourism.gov.za
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the programme still accepting applications? Yes, for the 2026/2027 intake. The closing date is 18 October 2026.
- How much is the stipend? R200 per day (payment schedule to be confirmed in the contract).
- How long does the training last? Twelve months.
- Can I apply with Matric only? Yes, provided you meet all other criteria.
- What is the age requirement? Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Do I need previous hospitality experience? No, experience is not a mandatory requirement.
- Can persons with disabilities apply? Yes, they are specifically encouraged to apply.
- What if I live in KwaZulu‑Natal or the Western Cape? Those provinces are not listed for this intake. Confirm eligibility with the Department before applying.
- Which documents are required? CV, certified ID copy, proof of residence, and Matric certificate.
- Will I receive a formal qualification? The advertisement does not specify a particular qualification. Ask the programme administrators for details.
- Is a permanent job guaranteed after training? No; the programme provides skills, not a guaranteed placement.
- When will I be contacted if shortlisted? Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview within two weeks after the closing date.
- Where do I apply? Use the online form linked above.
Final encouragement
If you are passionate about cooking, serving guests, or working in a bustling kitchen, this programme can give you the practical experience that employers look for. The stipend helps you focus on learning without worrying about daily expenses.
Take control of your future: check your eligibility, gather your documents, and submit your application before 18 October 2026. While selection is competitive, the effort you put into a complete, accurate application is entirely within your hands.
