Garden Route Municipality Launches 60 Internship & Learnership Opportunities – 2026
Garden Route District Municipality invites suitable applicants to apply for 60 Garden Route Skills Mecca opportunities.
The closing date for applications is 06 February 2026.
What is the Garden Route Skills Mecca?
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is offering 60 work‑experience slots across the Garden Route. These slots cover:
| Type of programme | How many | Stipend | Who can apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Internship | 35 | R6 000/month | Anyone with a NQF Level 6 qualification (tourism or hospitality preferred) |
| Work Integrated Learning (WIL) | 5 | R5 500/month | TVET N6 students who need practicals (tourism or hospitality preferred) |
| Learnership | 20 | R5 500/month | Matric graduates with basic maths and communication skills (NQF Level 4) |
All participants must be 18‑35 years old, live in the Garden Route District, and have the required qualifications. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Where will you work?
The positions will be spread across:
- Hessequa
- Mossel Bay
- George
- Knysna
- Bitou
- Oudtshoorn
- Kannaland
If you live in one of these areas, this is a great chance for you.
What will you do?
You will get real jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector. Typical duties include:
- Front‑desk reception
- Room and restaurant service
- Bar and food service
- Customer support
- Office administration
You’ll learn by doing, not just by reading. Shortlisted candidates will have a quick pre‑assessment to match you with the right role.
Who should apply?
You’re a good fit if:
- You’re unemployed or looking for experience.
- You live in the Garden Route District.
- You’re 18‑35 years old.
- Your background matches one of the three programmes listed above.
- You hold a tourism or hospitality qualification, or you love working with people.
How to apply
- Create an account on the GRDM “Unemployed Solutions” portal.
- Fill out the online form and upload the required documents:
- A certified copy of your South African ID (within 3 months).
- A certified copy of your highest qualification (within 3 months).
- A certified affidavit stating your previous work experience or learnership history (within 3 months).
- Submit before the deadline – 06 February 2026.
Apply online here (link: https://munreccollab.collaboratoronline.com/collab/SignIn.aspx?…)
Tips for a successful application
- Polish your CV – list your qualifications, skills (communication, teamwork, time management), and any volunteer work or projects.
- Get your documents certified early – waiting can delay your application.
- Prepare for the pre‑assessment – think about why you’re a good fit, how you handle pressure, and what you can bring to a team.
- Keep your online profile professional – use a clear email address, and answer messages politely.
After you finish
An internship or learnership is just the start. You could grow into roles such as:
- Receptionist or Front‑Office Officer
- Restaurant or hotel supervisor
- Customer‑service agent or data entry clerk
- Permanent municipal or hotel jobs
- Advanced training through SETA programmes
Experience makes you more marketable and shows employers you can work in a real environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I apply if I don’t live in the Garden Route? | No – you must be living within the district. |
| What’s the age limit? | 18 to 35 years. |
| I studied something other than tourism, can I still join? | Yes – the internship accepts any NQF Level 6 qualification, though tourism/hospitality gets preference. |
| Is this a permanent job? | No – these are work‑experience programmes, not permanent roles. |
| How much do I get paid? | Internship: R6 000/month; WIL & Learnership: R5 500/month. |
| What documents must I upload? | Certified ID, certified qualification, and a certified affidavit about past work or learnerships (all within 3 months). |
| What if I don’t hear back? | If you’re not contacted within two months after the deadline, the application was not successful. |
| Can people with disabilities apply? | Yes – the programme encourages applications from people with disabilities. |
Contact information
If you need help, reach out during office hours:
| Name | Phone |
|---|---|
| Kayakazi Klaas | (phone number from advert) |
| Berma Losper | 044 803 1344 |
Office hours: Monday‑Thursday 07:30‑16:30, Friday 07:30‑13:30.
Important notes
- This guide is meant to help you understand the opportunity – it is not the hiring organisation.
- The GRDM is the official employer; always verify details on the official GRDM career portal before applying.
- Never pay anyone to submit your application – legitimate programmes do not require a fee.
Ready to jumpstart your career?
Apply before 06 February 2026 and take the first step towards real work experience in one of South Africa’s most exciting regions.
