Right now the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is opening its Youth Graduate Project for 2026/2027 – a chance for you to get paid work in environmental and waste‑management fields.
What the opportunity is
The DFFE will take 20 unemployed South African youth and place them in full‑time graduate positions for 8 months. You will work five days a week and receive a daily rate of R271.04. The placements are based in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Free State.
Who can apply
To be eligible you must:
- Be a South African citizen and currently unemployed.
- Live inside the Lejweleputswa District Municipality (proof of residence required).
- Hold a recognised qualification in an environmental field, such as BSc Natural Sciences, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Health, or a similar diploma.
- Be able to work full‑time for the whole 8‑month period.
What you will gain
The project gives you practical exposure to municipal environmental work. You can expect to learn about:
- Implementing environmental projects.
- Conducting waste‑management activities.
- How public‑sector processes operate.
- Collaborating with government and municipal stakeholders.
- General environmental management skills.
These experiences will strengthen your CV and improve your employability in the environmental sector.
How to apply – step by step
- Gather the required documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae.
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copies of your qualification(s).
- Proof of residence within Lejweleputswa (e.g., utility bill or municipal rates book).
- Place all documents in a clean, sealed envelope.
- Write Youth Graduate Project (YGP) 2026/2027 Application on the front of the envelope.
- Hand‑deliver the envelope to:
Lejweleputswa District Municipality
Corner Jan Hofmeyr and Tempest Road
Welkom, 9459
Free State, South Africa - Make sure the envelope arrives before 16:00 on Friday, 14 August 2026. Late or emailed applications will not be accepted.
Tips to improve your chances
- Keep your CV clear and focused on any environmental coursework or volunteer work.
- Ensure all copies of IDs and qualifications are certified – a stamp from a notary, police station, or authorised official is required.
- Attach a short, genuine motivational letter even if it isn’t listed as mandatory; it can highlight your passion for environmental issues.
- Deliver your application a day early to avoid traffic or unforeseen delays.
- Double‑check the address spelling and your envelope label for accuracy.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, start preparing your documents today. This is a limited opportunity – only 20 positions are available, and competition can be high. Deliver a complete, well‑presented application before the deadline, and you could be on your way to gaining valuable experience in the environmental sector.
