Job Overview
The KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD) is looking for fresh graduates from KwaZulu‑Natal who are currently without a job to join their 2026–2028 Internship Recruitment Programme. This is a 24‑month paid internship that will give you real work experience inside the public service. You will work in a variety of science, engineering, and management roles that help the province grow its farms and rural communities.
- Application deadline: 05 December 2025
- Start date: 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2028
- Location: anywhere in KwaZulu‑Natal
- Total openings: 62
- Monthly stipend: set by your qualification level and DPSA rules
- Application form: Z83 (mandatory)
About the Department
KZN DARD runs programmes that support farmers, keep food safe, protect the land and help rural areas grow. The internship is a way for the department to give young people a chance to learn and build skills inside the public sector. You’ll be able to see how science, technology, and management work together to make agriculture better for everyone.
Internship Areas You Can Apply For
Bachelor of Science (BSc) Fields
| Field | Openings | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland Science | 2 | HR5/19/2025 |
| Microbiology (Honours) | 2 | HR5/20/2025 |
| Chemistry (Honours) | 1 | HR5/21/2025 |
| Biochemistry (Honours) | 1 | HR5/21/2025 |
| Plant Pathology (Honours) | 1 | HR5/22/2025 |
| Entomology | 1 | HR5/23/2025 |
| Biometry / Statistics | 1 | HR5/24/2025 |
| Horticulture | 1 | HR5/25/2025 |
| Pasture Science | 1 | HR5/26/2025 |
| Consumer Science (Advanced Diploma/BSc) | 1 | HR5/27/2025 |
| Agricultural Economics / Agribusiness | 1 | HR5/28/2025 |
National Diploma or ND/B‑Tech Qualifications
| Field | Openings | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Health | 3 | HR5/29/2025 |
| Office Administration / Management Assistance / Business Management | 11 | HR5/30/2025 |
Agriculture, Engineering & Management
| Field | Openings | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| BSc Agriculture / Civil Engineering (NQF 8) | 1 | HR5/1/2025 |
| BTech / Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering (NQF 7) | 2 | HR5/2/2025 |
| Advanced Diploma: Agriculture / BTech Agriculture (NQF 7) | 1 | HR5/3/2025 |
| ND / Advanced Diploma: Agriculture (NQF 6) | 4 | HR5/4/2025 |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management | 1 | HR5/5/2025 |
| ND / Degree in Human Resource Development / Management | 1 | HR5/6/2025 |
| ND / Degree in Labour Relations | 1 | HR5/7/2025 |
| Operations Management / Production Management | 1 | HR5/8/2025 |
| ND / BTech / BCom: Financial Management / Accounting | 2 | HR5/9/2025 |
| Risk Management / Internal Control | 1 | HR5/10/2025 |
| ND / Diploma / BTech: Supply Chain Management | 3 | HR5/11/2025 |
| ND / Degree / Postgraduate / Honours: Public Policy | 1 | HR5/12/2025 |
| ND / Diploma / Degree: Information Technology | 2 | HR5/13/2025 |
| ND / BTech: Public Relations / Media / Journalism | 1 | HR5/14/2025 |
Science & Agriculture Specialisations
| Field | Openings | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| BSc Agriculture (Soil Science) | 1 | HR5/15/2025 |
| BSc GIS (Technologist) | 1 | HR5/16/2025 |
| BSc Agrometeorology & Hydrology | 1 | HR5/17/2025 |
Minimum Requirements
To be considered you must:
- Be a South African citizen living in KwaZulu‑Natal.
- Be currently unemployed and applying for a public‑service internship for the first time.
- Hold a National Diploma, Degree, Honours, or Postgraduate qualification that matches the role you want.
- Send all the documents that the application asks for.
- Meet the specific qualification details listed next to each reference number.
Preference will be given to people who belong to previously disadvantaged groups, people with disabilities, and applicants from certain areas mentioned in the posting.
Note: If you have already been an intern before, you cannot apply again.
How to Apply
1. Get the Z83 Application Form
Download the official Z83 form from the Department of Public Service and Administration’s website.
Link: Visit dpsa.gov.za and look for the “Z83” form in the resources section.
2. Prepare Your Supporting Papers
Attach the following, all certified copies:
- A letter that states the reference number you’re applying for
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate
- Certified copies of your higher‑level certificates and the official result statements
- Your CV
- Certified copy of your ID
- An affidavit that proves where you live
3. Send Your Application
You must send the paperwork by post or hand‑drop it. Do not email or fax.
| Delivery Option | Address |
|---|---|
| Post to the Director of Human Resource Development | Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Private Bag X9059 Pietermaritzburg 3200 |
| Hand delivery – Cedara Offices | Department of Agriculture and Rural Development R103, Cedara Road Reception area, Ground floor, Main Building |
| Hand delivery – South Service Centre | 4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton 3245 |
| Hand delivery – North Service Centre – Richards Bay | Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Lot 11634, Corner of Verbena and Aloe Loop Street Veldens Vlei, Richards Bay |
Key Points to Remember
- Use the exact reference number for the job you’re interested in.
- The only way to send your application is by post or hand‑drop; no email or fax will be accepted.
- Only those who make it to the shortlist will be called back.
- If you do not hear anything in three months after the closing date, your application likely did not go forward.
Ready to apply? Download the Z83 form from the DPSA site, fill it out, gather the documents, and send it to one of the addresses above. This internship could be the first step to a rewarding career in agriculture, engineering, or public service in KwaZulu‑Natal. Good luck!