Gamagara Municipality & DFFE 2026 Youth Graduate Project (EPWP) – Apply Today
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), together with Gamagara Local Municipality, is looking for suitable young people to apply for their Youth Graduate Project 2026 opportunities. The closing date for applications is 27 February 2026.
What the programme looks like in real life
Think of a six‑month adventure where you’re paid to learn hands‑on environmental skills. Every day you’ll earn a stipend of R271.04, which is one of the highest pay rates for EPWP graduate projects right now. You’ll spend most of your time out in the field – checking water quality, mapping wildlife, or helping clean up local parks – while learning the ropes from seasoned professionals.
- Daily pay: R271.04 per day
- Duration: 6 months (2026)
- Location: Gamagara Local Municipality, Kathu, Northern Cape
- Who can join? Graduates who have finished a minimum three‑year qualification from a recognised university or college in any of the following fields:
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Horticulture
- Ecology
- Botany
- Nature Conservation & Forestry
Why it matters for you
- Hands‑on learning – you’ll do real projects that feed directly into your CV.
- Great for beginners or recent grads – no previous public sector internship required.
- A boost for your future job hunt – this experience is gold for roles in municipal departments, NGOs, or even a permanent spot with DFFE.
- Inclusive – 60 % of spots target women, and 2 % are reserved for people with disabilities (strongly encouraged to apply).
How to stand out
- Tailor your CV – Highlight any fieldwork, lab work, or community projects tied to the environment.
- Show your modules – List courses like GIS, Environmental Impact Assessment, or Conservation Biology.
- Add volunteer work – If you’ve helped with a local clean‑up or wildlife survey, put that front and centre.
- Keep it professional – Double‑check your contact details; a typo can cost you a chance.
Step‑by‑step application guide
- Gather documents
- Updated CV
- Certified copies of your qualification certificates
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Choose your submission method
Email is a no‑go – you have to hand‑deliver or post.- By post
Gamagara Local Municipality
Environmental Office
P.O. Box 1001
Kathu 8446 - Hand‑delivery – drop it off at the reception on CNR Hendrick Van Eck & Frikkie Meyer Road, Kathu. There’s a dedicated application box waiting.
- By post
- Submit before 27 Feb 2026 – after that, the window closes.
- Wait for the shortlist – only shortlisted candidates will need to provide certified ID copies and transcripts.
- If you haven’t heard back within 3 months, you can safely assume your application was not successful.
Apply right here before it closes
What you’ll be doing
Your day could look like this:
- Monitoring air or water quality in nearby ecosystems.
- Leading or participating in community‑based environmental awareness programmes.
- Contributing to conservation initiatives such as re‑vegetation or wildlife monitoring.
- Helping with waste‑management or sustainability projects.
- Conducting forestry or biodiversity assessments.
- Assisting with occupational safety compliance checks.
- Supporting horticultural or landscaping tasks for municipal green spaces.
After the programme – your career path
- Environmental Officer roles
- Municipal environmental departments
- Conservation agencies or NGOs
- Better chances for DFFE internships or permanent roles
- Eligibility for postgraduate environmental studies
- Occupational Health & Safety officer positions
- Forestry and conservation field technician roles
Public sector experience is a major feather in your cap, especially when applying for government or environmental compliance roles later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I apply if I only have a diploma? | Yes, as long as it’s a completed 3‑year qualification from a recognised institution. |
| Can I email my application? | No. Only hand‑delivered or postal submissions will be considered. |
| Is this a permanent job? | No – it’s a 6‑month EPWP programme. |
| How much will I earn? | R271.04 per day. |
| Can someone with a disability apply? | Absolutely – persons with disabilities are encouraged. |
| What if I’ve done a private internship? | Private internships do not automatically disqualify you; the rule is only against public‑service internships. |
| Will I receive training? | You’ll gain practical on‑the‑job exposure that aligns with your qualification. |
| What if I don’t hear back? | If you haven’t been contacted within 3 months after the closing date, your application is likely unsuccessful. |
Closing reminder
The application window ends 27 February 2026. Don’t miss out – this could be the stepping stone you need to launch a career in environmental management.
