Your Next Step in Agriculture? A 24‑Month Internship That Pays and Builds a Career
If you’re a South African graduate who loves farming or environmental work, this job could be exactly what you’ve been looking for. The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform (DAERL) is now accepting applications for the 2025/26 Unemployed Agricultural Graduate Entrepreneurial Development Programme. It isn’t a typical internship – it’s a full‑time, paid, 24‑month experience that trains you for a career or your own business in the farming world.
What the Programme Offers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who’s Involved | Northern Cape DAERL |
| Number of Spots | 80 internships across all five district municipalities |
| Length | 24 months |
| Pay | R7 860.50 a month |
| Who Can Join? | Unemployed South African graduates aged 18‑45 with an agriculture‑related diploma or degree |
| How to Submit | Fill out a Z83 form and attach your CV (email, post or hand‑delivery) |
| Deadline | 19 December 2025 |
| Questions? | Call Mr Malebogo Mocwiri at 082 559 0827 |
The programme was launched by MEC Mase Manopole and is designed to give fresh graduates real‑world skills and a chance to start their own agricultural businesses. You’ll learn the nuts and bolts of farming, how to manage a farm, and how to turn a good idea into a profitable venture.
What You’ll Do
During those 24 months, you’ll spend time on the ground in a variety of farming settings. This hands‑on training covers:
- Livestock production – raising animals and caring for them.
- Crop cultivation – planting, growing and harvesting crops.
- Mixed farming – combining crops and animals on the same farm.
- Hydroponics – growing plants in nutrient‑rich water without soil.
- Agro‑processing – turning raw farm products into marketable goods.
- Vineyard/raisin production – growing grapes for wine or fresh consumption.
- Nature conservation & game management – protecting wildlife and managing game reserves.
You’ll visit farms in all five districts, giving you a broad view of the region’s farming landscape.
What You’ll Learn
- Farm operations – from planting to harvesting, and everything in between.
- Production cycles – understanding the timing of each stage of growth.
- Agribusiness processes – marketing, selling, and distributing farm products.
- Conservation techniques – ways to protect soil and water for the long term.
- Project management – planning and executing farming projects.
- Entrepreneurship – starting and running your own business.
You’ll also receive coaching from experienced farmers and mentors who know what it takes to succeed in this industry.
Why This Matters
Agriculture is a big part of South Africa’s economy and a source of food for everyone. By giving you hands‑on training, the programme helps build a future workforce of skilled farmers and agribusiness leaders. It also creates job opportunities in rural areas and helps the province grow sustainably.
Who Should Apply
- Unemployed South African graduates between 18 and 45 years old.
- First‑time entrants to a government internship – if this is your first try, you get priority.
- Graduates with qualifications in:
- Agriculture
- Environmental Affairs
- Nature Conservation
- Environmental Management
- Or related fields (diplomas and degrees count)
Women and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to send in their applications.
What to Submit
- Z83 Form – fill it out, sign it, and include it in your packet.
- CV – a clear list of your personal details, qualifications, work or volunteer experience, skills, and references.
- Reference number – make sure you write the correct number so your application is sorted correctly.
The DAERL will tell you where to send your documents – check the official circular for the exact address. If you’re unsure, you can call the contact listed above.
How to Apply
- Download the Z83 form from the DAERL website.
- Write your CV in a simple, tidy format.
- Send everything (form, CV, reference number) to the address supplied.
You can hand it in, post it, or email it – whichever works best for you.
Need Help?
- General questions? Call 082 559 0827 – Mr Malebogo Mocwiri.
- Media or additional enquiries? Email or call Mr Stephen Galane at sgalane@daerl.co.za or 065 707 9152.
Wrap‑Up
This internship gives you real training, a steady paycheck, and the chance to start a future in agriculture or start your own farm business. If you’re a graduate looking to break into the industry, this is a great stepping‑stone. Don’t wait – the deadline is 19 December 2025. Pack your documents, fill out that Z83 form, and send it off to start your journey in the Northern Cape’s growing agricultural scene.