Are you a young South African looking for a chance to start a career in tourism right now? The Integrated Service Excellence Programme 2026 is accepting applications, but you only have until 10 July 2026 to apply.
What the programme offers
The Department of Tourism, together with Harambee and SANParks, is offering a 12‑month contract for unemployed youth. The role focuses on hospitality, travel and tourism services at selected sites in the Free State, Limpopo and several SANParks locations.
Who can apply
- South African citizen, aged 18‑35
- Matric (Grade 12) certificate – certified copy required
- Certified copy of your ID and proof of residence
- Live within a 30 km radius of the site you apply for
- Passion for tourism, hospitality or customer service
- Clear criminal record
- Declare any previous participation in Department‑run learnerships
What you will gain
- R4 600 per month (based on a maximum of 23 working days)
- Hands‑on experience in tourism and conservation environments
- Training in visitor support, service excellence and hospitality
- Professional reference after successful completion
Participating sites
- Free State
- Mopani Rest Camp
- Oliphants Rest Camp
- Phalaborwa Gate
- Shingwedzi Rest Camp
- Punda Maria Rest Camp
- Marakele National Park
Documents you need
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Proof of residence (municipal bill, tribal authority letter, or other official document)
- Application letter
- Updated CV (if requested on the portal)
How to apply – step by step
- Choose the site that is within 30 km of where you live.
- Gather all required documents listed above.
- Open the official SA‑Youth link for your chosen site and create an account.
- Complete the online form, upload the certified documents, and write a brief application letter.
- Submit the application before the deadline on 10 July 2026.
Official application links:
- Free State: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2099795
- Mopani Rest Camp: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097808
- Oliphants Rest Camp: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097812
- Phalaborwa Gate: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097820
- Shingwedzi Rest Camp: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097824
- Punda Maria Rest Camp: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097832
- Marakele National Park: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2099791
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that every document is certified and clearly legible.
- Tailor your application letter to the specific site – mention why you are interested in that location.
- Proofread your CV for spelling errors and highlight any tourism‑related experience, even volunteer work.
- Apply early; the portal can become busy close to the deadline.
Next steps
If you meet the eligibility criteria, start gathering your documents today. Pick the nearest site, follow the steps above, and submit your application before 10 July 2026. This could be the first step toward a rewarding career in South Africa’s tourism sector.
