Young South Africans living in the Sundays River Valley municipal area can now get hands‑on experience in firefighting and community safety through the Sundays River Valley Municipality 2026/2027 Firefighter Learnership Programme. The deadline is fast approaching, so act now.
What the opportunity is
The municipality is looking for three Firefighter Learners to work in the Paterson, Addo and Nqweba regions. Successful candidates will spend 12 months on the job, earning a stipend of R5 000 per month.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Resident of the Sundays River Valley municipal area
- Grade 12 qualification (no further study required)
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Valid Code B (08) driver’s licence
- Physically fit – able to work in confined spaces and at heights
- No criminal record
- Team‑player attitude and ability to cope with stressful, traumatic situations
- Disaster‑management knowledge or experience – an advantage, not a must
What you will gain
The learnership offers practical exposure to:
- Firefighting tactics and equipment
- Emergency response and disaster management
- Municipal risk‑management and public‑safety duties
- Teamwork, discipline and stress‑handling skills
- A monthly stipend of R5 000 to support you while you learn
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Download the official SRVM application form.
- Fill in all sections accurately – especially your residential address.
- Attach the following certified documents:
- Copy of your ID
- Copies of your Grade 12 certificate and any other relevant qualifications
- Copy of your Code B (08) driver’s licence
- Current CV
- Motivational letter (see tips below)
- Submit the complete package to:
Office of the Skills Development Facilitator
Sundays River Valley Municipality
23 Middle Street
Nqweba
6120 - Make sure you deliver everything before 12:00 pm on 21 August 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Tips to improve your chances
Physical preparation
The selection includes a fitness test with a 200‑m run, push‑ups, sit‑ups, a dead‑load carry, ladder climb and claustrophobia/acrophobia checks. Start training now, but increase intensity gradually to avoid injury.
Build a focused CV
Only list information that is relevant to the role. Include:
- Grade 12 result
- Valid Code B driver’s licence
- Community service, volunteer work or any safety‑related activities
- Any disaster‑management exposure (if you have it)
- Physical‑work or team‑based experience
Do not claim firefighting experience you do not have.
Write a clear motivational letter
The letter should be short (no more than one page) and answer these points:
- Why you are interested in firefighting and community safety
- What you hope to learn from a 12‑month practical placement
- How you handle teamwork, pressure and physical challenges
- Any genuine volunteer or safety‑related experience you bring
Avoid common mistakes
- Submitting without a Code B licence
- Assuming Grade 12 is the only requirement
- Ignoring the fitness test
- Leaving out the motivational letter
- Submitting uncertified copies of ID or certificates
- Missing the 12:00 pm deadline on 21 August 2026
- Falsifying disaster‑management experience
Next steps and final thoughts
If you meet the mandatory criteria, gather your documents, start a sensible fitness routine, and send your application before the deadline. Remember that only three positions are available, so attention to detail matters.
After you apply, wait up to 30 days for a response. If you hear nothing by then, consider the application unsuccessful and keep searching for other learnerships, internships or entry‑level jobs.
Firefighting experience can open doors to careers in municipal emergency services, disaster management, occupational safety and related fields, but it does not guarantee a permanent job.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many places are available? Three learner positions.
- What qualification is required? Grade 12.
- Do I need prior firefighting experience? No. Disaster‑management experience is only an added advantage.
- What is the age limit? 18 to 35 years.
- Is a driver’s licence mandatory? Yes, a Code B (08) licence.
- How much will I be paid? A stipend of R5 000 per month.
- How long is the programme? 12 months of practical on‑the‑job training.
- Will there be a fitness test? Yes – run, push‑ups, sit‑ups, load carry, ladder climb and claustrophobia/acrophobia assessments.
- What if I live outside the municipality? You are not eligible.
- Where do I send my application? To the Office of the Skills Development Facilitator, 23 Middle Street, Nqweba, 6120.
- When does the application close? 12:00 pm on 21 August 2026.
- Is a permanent job guaranteed? No, the learnership does not promise permanent employment.
- How will I know if I was not selected? If you have not heard back within 30 days of the closing date, treat the application as unsuccessful.
Disclaimer
SETA SA is an independent career‑opportunity platform and is not the Sundays River Valley Municipality. The information above is based on the official advertisement dated 6 August 2026. Applicants must verify all details with the municipality before applying. SETA SA does not charge any fee for this opportunity and will never ask for payment to secure a place.
