Agricultural Graduate Programme 2025/2026 – A Chance to Start Your Farming Career
If you finished a National Diploma in any farm‑related subject and you’re still looking for a job, the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs has a 24‑month placement program that could be just what you need. It gives you real work experience in crop, animal or poultry farming, horticulture, or mixed farming – all in different towns across Mpumalanga. The pay is R94 326 a year, and you’ll be on a full salary from the start.
Why This Programme Is Great
- It’s a full‑time job for two years – not a short internship.
- You’ll learn on the job from experienced farmers and managers.
- It’s open to any South African citizen who is not already working.
- The department wants a diverse team, so young people, women and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
What You Need to Be Eligible
- You must be unemployed and a South African citizen.
- You must hold a relevant National Diploma – one of the following:
- Crop Production
- Animal Production
- Mixed Farming (Animal and Crop)
- Horticulture
- You must not have done a previous internship or graduate program with this department.
- You need to be ready for a background check.
- You’ll have to send a new Z83 form and a full CV – no copies of certificates are required right now.
The Positions
Every post pays the same salary, but each location has its own mix of roles. Below is a quick guide to the jobs by municipality. If you’re interested in a particular town, look at its list and note the reference number you’ll use when you send your application.
| Municipality | Posts | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mkhondo | Crop & Livestock Production (2) Crop Production | DARLEA/2025/12/01 DARLEA/2025/12/02 |
| Msukaligwa | Animal Production (2) Crop & Animal Production (2) | DARLEA/2025/12/03 DARLEA/2025/12/04 |
| Chief Albert Luthuli | Crop Production (7) Crop & Animal Production | DARLEA/2025/12/05 DARLEA/2025/12/06 |
| Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme | Crop & Animal Production (2) Animal Production | DARLEA/2025/12/07 DARLEA/2025/12/08 |
| Govan Mbeki | Crop & Animal Production | DARLEA/2025/12/09 Poultry Production (3) |
| Lekwa | Poultry Production (10) | DARLEA/2025/12/12 |
| Bushbuckridge South | Crop Production (10) | DARLEA/2025/12/13 Crop & Animal Production (4) |
| Bushbuckridge North | Crop & Animal Production | DARLEA/2025/12/15 Animal Production (4) |
| Thaba Chweu | Animal Production (4) | DARLEA/2025/12/18 |
| Mbombela | Crop Production (9) | DARLEA/2025/12/19 |
| Umjindi | Mixed Production (2) | DARLEA/2025/12/20 Horticulture (2) |
| Nkomazi | Crop Production (11) | DARLEA/2025/12/24 Animal Production (3) |
| Emalahleni | Crop & Animal Production (2) | DARLEA/2025/12/26 Poultry & Vegetable Production (2) |
| Thembisile Hani | Crop Production (4) | DARLEA/2025/12/29 Poultry & Crop Production (2) |
| Steve Tshwete | Crop & Livestock Production (2) | DARLEA/2025/12/31 Horticulture / Crop Production (2) |
| Emakhazeni | Crop & Livestock Production (2) | DARLEA/2025/12/33 Livestock Production (2) |
| Dr J.S. Moroka | Vegetables & Grains Production (4) | DARLEA/2025/12/35 Layers & Vegetables (4) |
| Victor Khanye | Crop Production (5) | DARLEA/2025/12/37 Animal Production (2) |
How to Send Your Application
The Department uses a separate email address for each district. Send your new Z83 form and CV to the right one – no copies of certificates yet. Use the reference number on your email subject line to make sure your application is matched to the right post.
| District | |
|---|---|
| Ehlanzeni | dardlearecruitment-ehls@mpg.gov.za |
| Bohlabela | dardlearecruitment-ehln@mpg.gov.za |
| Gert Sibande | dardlearecruitment-gs@mpg.gov.za |
| Nkangala | dardlearecruitment-nka@mpg.gov.za |
Tip: Double‑check that the reference number is correct. Only send the Z83 form and CV – you won’t need certificates at this stage.
Deadline
Finish everything and send your email by 12 December 2025 at 16:00. After that time, no applications will be accepted, so act fast.
If You Have Questions
Every municipality listed above provides contact names and phone numbers. If something is unclear, call or email them. The Department is ready to help.
Ready to Apply?
This is a solid step into a stable farming career. Grab the chance to learn hands‑on, earn a good salary, and build a future in agriculture. Once you’ve decided where you want to work, download your Z83 form, fill it out, attach your CV, and send it to the appropriate email. Make sure to include the reference number so your application gets to the right people. Good luck!