The KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD) invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for its 2026–2028 Internship Recruitment Programme vacancies. The closing date for applications is 5 December 2025.
What is the KZN DARD Internship Programme?
KZN DARD is a provincial government office that helps farmers, protects the environment, and boosts rural jobs. This internship is a 24‑month, paid program that runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028. It gives recent graduates hands‑on work experience in real workplaces.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 24 months (1 Apr 2026 – 31 Mar 2028) |
| Who can apply? | Unemployed South African graduates living in KwaZulu‑Natal |
| Monthly stipend | Set by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level and DPSA rules |
| Total openings | 62 positions across many fields |
| Application form | Z83 |
| Apply by | 5 Dec 2025 |
| Send applications to | Post or hand delivery to the addresses below |
Why join this internship?
- You’ll learn real work skills that employers look for.
- You’ll earn a salary while you build a career.
- You’ll be part of a government effort to empower young people and strengthen public services.
Internship Fields (24‑month contracts)
Below are the subjects and how many spots are available for each. Every reference number (Ref:) is a unique job code that you will use if you apply.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degrees
- Grassland Science – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/19/2025
- Microbiology (Hons) – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/20/2025
- Chemistry (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/21/2025
- Biochemistry (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/21/2025
- Plant Pathology (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/22/2025
- Entomology – 1 post – Ref: HR5/23/2025
- Biometry/Statistics – 1 post – Ref: HR5/24/2025
- Horticulture – 1 post – Ref: HR5/25/2025
- Pasture Science – 1 post – Ref: HR5/26/2025
- Consumer Science (Advanced Diploma/BSc) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/27/2025
- Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness – 1 post – Ref: HR5/28/2025
National Diplomas & ND/B-Tech Qualifications
- Animal Health – 3 posts – Ref: HR5/29/2025
- Office Administration / Management Assistance / Business Management – 11 posts – Ref: HR5/30/2025
Agriculture, Engineering & Management Fields
- BSc Agriculture/Civil Engineering (NQF 8) – 1 post – HR5/1/2025
- BTech/Civil Engineering (NQF 7) – 2 posts – HR5/2/2025
- Advanced Diploma in Agriculture (NQF 7) – 1 post – HR5/3/2025
- ND/Advanced Diploma in Agriculture (NQF 6) – 4 posts – HR5/4/2025
- Project Management (Postgrad Diploma) – 1 post – HR5/5/2025
- Human Resource Development/Management (ND/Degree) – 1 post – HR5/6/2025
- Labour Relations – 1 post – HR5/7/2025
- Operations/Production Management – 1 post – HR5/8/2025
- Financial Management/Accounting (ND/BTech/BCom) – 2 posts – HR5/9/2025
- Risk Management/Internal Control – 1 post – HR5/10/2025
- Supply Chain Management (ND/Diploma/BTech) – 3 posts – HR5/11/2025
- Public Policy (ND/Degree/Postgrad/Hons) – 1 post – HR5/12/2025
- Information Technology – 2 posts – HR5/13/2025
- Public Relations/Media/Journalism – 1 post – HR5/14/2025
Science & Agriculture Specialisations
- Soil Science (BSc Agriculture) – 1 post – HR5/15/2025
- GIS (BSc GIS Technologist) – 1 post – HR5/16/2025
- Agrometeorology & Hydrology – 1 post – HR5/17/2025
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be unemployed and live in KwaZulu‑Natal.
- Be applying to a public‑service internship for the first time.
- Have finished a National Diploma, Degree, Honours, or Post‑graduate qualification in the field you want.
- Submit all required documents (see below).
- Meet any extra requirements that come with a specific job code.
Special preference will be given to:
- Previously disadvantaged groups.
- Persons with disabilities.
- Applicants from certain areas (check the ad for details).
Note: If you have already done an internship with KZN DARD, you cannot re‑apply.
How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step
1. Grab the Z83 Application Form
The form can be downloaded from the KZN DARD website (link not shown here).
2. Gather Your Supporting Papers
Attach a copy of each of the following:
- Cover letter
- Certified copy of your matric certificate
- Certified copy of your university or college diploma / degree / honours / post‑grad certificate
- Your statement of results (grades)
- CV (resume)
- Certified copy of your ID card
- Affidavit that confirms where you live
All papers must be certified; otherwise your application will be rejected.
3. Send Your Application
By Post
The Director: Human Resource Development
Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Private Bag X9059
Pietermaritzburg
3200
In Person
- CEDARA Offices – R103, Cedara Road, Reception Area, Ground Floor, Main Building
- South Service Centre – 4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton, 3245
- North Service Centre – Richards Bay – Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Corner of Verbena and Aloe Loop, Velden Vlei, Richards Bay
Keep a copy of every document you send.
4. Wait for a Response
If you hear nothing within 3 months after 5 Dec 2025, your application was not successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the internship paid?
Yes. You will receive a monthly stipend. The amount depends on your qualification level and government guidelines.Can I apply if I live outside KwaZulu‑Natal?
No. Applicants must be residents of KwaZulu‑Natal.Can former interns apply again?
No. Former interns are not eligible.Must my documents be certified?
Yes, only certified copies are accepted.Where do I get the Z83 form?
Download it from the official KZN DARD website.
Want More Training Opportunities?
If you’re looking for other paid learning programs, check out the SETA Bursaries you can still apply for this year. These programs also help you earn money while you study.
