The KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) has opened applications for the Tourism Graduate Development Programme (TGDP) 2026. If you’re a recent graduate in tourism or hospitality, this 24‑month, paid placement could be the key to stepping into a real career. SETAs have praised the programme’s blend of mentorship and on‑the‑job training, so don’t miss this chance.
What the TGDP is all about
The TGDP offers 24 months of structured workplace exposure across municipalities, tourism agencies, wildlife reserves and private attractions in KwaZulu‑Natal. You’ll work in a real environment, receive professional guidance and earn a monthly stipend while building the skills that employers value.
Key facts at a glance
- Programme name: Tourism Graduate Development Programme (TGDP) 2026
- Department: KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA)
- Duration: 24 months
- Fields covered: Tourism Management, Hospitality Management, Travel & Tourism, Ecotourism Management
- Placements available: 62 internships + 20 in‑service training posts
- Stipend: Paid every month
- Closing date: 25 March 2026
- Email to apply: TGDP@kznedtea.gov.za
Who can apply
You must be an unemployed tourism graduate or a student needing in‑service training. Specifically, you need a three‑year degree or a national diploma in one of the following:
- Tourism Management
- Hospitality Management
- Travel and Tourism
- Ecotourism Management
Applicants must also submit:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Matric certificate
- Qualification and academic transcript
- Copy of South African ID
- Proof of residence from your municipality or traditional authority (affidavits are not accepted)
What you gain
Beyond the stipend, the programme gives you:
- Hands‑on experience in a real tourism setting
- Mentorship from seasoned professionals
- Networking opportunities across the province
- A clear path to roles such as Tourism Officer, Hotel Operations Manager, Eco‑tourism Guide, and more
How to apply – step by step
- Choose a placement that matches your residence or interest. Every listing has a reference number – use it on your application.
- Prepare a professional CV and gather all required documents.
- Send your application to the host employer’s email or post it in person at the address below. You can also email EDTEA at TGDP@kznedtea.gov.za.
- Wait for a response – successful candidates will be shortlisted for an interview.
- If selected, you’ll begin the 24‑month placement on the agreed start date.
Placement areas and reference numbers
Applicants must state the reference number and placement area in their application.
Amajuba District Municipality
- Emadlangeni Municipality – TGDP/2026/EMAD
- Newcastle Municipality – TGDP/2026/NEW
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Chelmsford) – TGDP/2026/CHELM
eThekwini Metro and Durban Tourism
- Durban Tourism – TGDP/2026/METRO
- Msinsi Holdings (Nagle Dam) – TGDP/2026/NAG
- UShaka Marine World – TGDP/2026/USHAKA
Harry Gwala District Municipality
- Harry Gwala Development Agency – TGDP/2026/HGDA
- Greater Kokstad Municipality – TGDP/2026/GKLM
- Dr Nkosazana Dlamini‑Zuma Municipality – TGDP/2026/NDZ
- Johannes Phumani Phungula Municipality – TGDP/2026/JPPM
- uMzimkhulu Municipality – TGDP/2026/UMZIM
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Lotheni) – TGDP/2026/LOTH
iLembe District Municipality
- iLembe Enterprise – TGDP/2026/ILEM
- KwaDukuza Municipality – TGDP/2026/KWAD
- Mandeni Municipality – TGDP/2026/MAND
- Maphumulo Municipality – TGDP/2026/MAPH
- Ndwedwe Municipality – TGDP/2026/NDWE
- Msinsi Holdings (Hazelmere Dam) – TGDP/2026/HAZE
King Cetshwayo District Municipality
- King Cetshwayo District Municipality – TGDP/2026/KCDM
- uMhlathuze Municipality – TGDP/2026/UMHL
- Mthonjaneni Municipality – TGDP/2026/MTHO
- Nkandla Municipality – TGDP/2026/NKAN
- uMfolozi Municipality – TGDP/2026/UMFO
- uMlalazi Municipality – TGDP/2026/UMLA
Ugu District Municipality
- South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise – TGDP/2026/SCTIE
- uMuziwabantu Municipality – TGDP/2026/UMUZ
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Oribi Gorge) – TGDP/2026/ORIBI
uMgungundlovu District Municipality
- Impendle Municipality – TGDP/2026/IMPE
- Mkhambathini Municipality – TGDP/2026/MKHA
- Mpofana Municipality – TGDP/2026/MPOF
- Richmond Municipality – TGDP/2026/RICH
- uMshwathi Municipality – TGDP/2026/UMSH
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
- Wagendrift – TGDP/2026/WAGE
- Midmar – TGDP/2026/MIDM
- Central Reservations – TGDP/2026/QEP
- Rhino Club – TGDP/2026/RHIN
- Travel Trade – TGDP/2026/TRAV
- Hilltop – TGDP/2026/HILL
- Mpila Camp – TGDP/2026/MPIL
Msinsi Holdings
- Albert Falls – TGDP/2026/ALBE
- Bon Accord – TGDP/2026/BONA
uMkhanyakude District Municipality
- Umhlosinga Development Agency – TGDP/2026/UMDA
- Big 5 Hlabisa Municipality – TGDP/2026/BIG5
- Mtubatuba Municipality – TGDP/2026/MTUB
- uMhlabuyalingana Municipality – TGDP/2026/BUYA
uMzinyathi District Municipality
- Endumeni Municipality – TGDP/2026/ENDUM
- Nquthu Municipality – TGDP/2026/NQUT
- uMvoti Municipality – TGDP/2026/UMVOT
uThukela District Municipality
- uThukela Economic Development Agency – TGDP/2026/UEDA
- Alfred Duma Municipality – TGDP/2026/ADLM
- Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality – TGDP/2026/ILLM
- Okhahlamba Municipality – TGDP/2026/OKHA
Zululand District Municipality
- Zululand District Municipality – TGDP/2026/ZDM
- eDumbe Municipality – TGDP/2026/EDUM
- Nongoma Municipality – TGDP/2026/NONG
- Ulundi Municipality – TGDP/2026/ULUN
- uPhongolo Municipality – TGDP/2026/UPHON
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Ntshondwe / Ithala Game Reserve) – TGDP/2026/NTSHO
Application addresses
Submit your application either at the host employer’s office or to the EDTEA district office. Below are a few key addresses.
Amajuba District Municipality
Unit B9356 Amajuba Building
Section 1 Madadeni
Emadlangeni Municipality
34 Voor Street
Utrecht
2980
Newcastle Municipality
37 Murchison Street
Newcastle
Durban Tourism (eThekwini Metro)
North Beach Tourism Office
2 KE Masinga Road
North Beach
Durban
Msinsi Holdings
Nagle Dam
Lot 183 Cato Ridge Rural
3681
UShaka Marine World
1 King Shaka Avenue
Point
Durban
4001
EDTEA District Office addresses
For a quick application, you can also use these district office locations.
- EDTEA Tourism Office: Calder House, 217 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
- eThekwini District Office: Marine Building, 8th Floor, 22 Dorothy Nyembe Street, Durban
- Ugu District Office: 46 Bisset Street, Port Shepstone
- Harry Gwala District Office: 139a Margaret Street, Trigon Place, Ixopo
- Amajuba District Office: 43 Harding Street, Newcastle
- Zululand District Office: 2nd Floor Legislature Building, King Dinuzulu Highway, Ulundi
Practical tips to boost your chances
From experience, most successful candidates:
- Apply for a placement close to where they live to avoid long commutes.
- Include the exact reference number on every part of the application.
- Craft a CV that highlights relevant coursework, internships and any volunteer work in tourism.
- Research the organisation you’re applying to; mention one or two things you admire in your cover letter.
- Send all documents in the order requested and keep copies for yourself.
What comes next after the programme
Completing the TGDP can lead to a variety of roles, such as:
- Tourism Officer
- Destination Marketing Officer
- Hotel Operations Manager
- Tourism Development Specialist
- Eco‑tourism Guide
- Wildlife Tourism Officer
- Tourism Project Manager
Many industry leaders began in internships like this; the TGDP gives you the experience to stand out.
FAQs
Who can apply? Unemployed tourism graduates or students needing in‑service training.
How long is the programme? 24 months.
Will I get paid? Yes, a monthly stipend is provided.
When does the application close? 25 March 2026.
How do I apply? Email, post, or hand‑deliver your application to a host employer or an EDTEA office.
Final thoughts
The TGDP 2026 is a tangible stepping stone into a career that thrives on experience, network and practical knowledge. If you’re a tourism graduate or student ready to roll up your sleeves, act fast – applications close on 25 March 2026. Gather your documents, choose a reference number, and send your application today. Good luck!
