The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (PDARD) is calling on unemployed South African graduates to apply for its Assistant Agricultural Practitioner Internship Programme for 2025. This three-year, fixed-term opportunity is open across seven provinces, with 231 positions available.
Closing Date for Applications: 15 August 2025 at 16:00
A Nationwide Internship for Agricultural Graduates
The Assistant Agricultural Practitioner Programme is designed to strengthen agricultural extension services throughout the country while offering practical exposure and job experience to qualified youth. This internship offers a rare chance to contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector while growing your skills on the ground.
Post Overview
- Position: Assistant Agricultural Practitioner
- Contract Type: 3-year Fixed-Term
- Stipend: R193 359 per annum plus 37% in lieu of benefits
Posts and Reference Numbers by Province:
- Free State (x36) – Ref No: FSDARD01/2025
- Gauteng (x44) – Ref No: GDARD2025/01
- KwaZulu-Natal (x34) – Ref No: KZNDARD01/2025
- Mpumalanga (x52) – Ref No: MPDARD01/2025
- Northern Cape (x30) – Ref No: NCDARD01/2025
- North West (x21) – Ref No: NWDARD01/07/2025
- Western Cape (x14) – Ref No: WCDARD01/2025
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for this internship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A three-year Diploma in Agriculture (NQF Level 6 or higher)
- Registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)
- A valid Code B driver’s license
- No prior work experience required
Key Competencies
- Basic understanding of extension methodology
- Clear communication skills (both written and verbal)
- Confidence in public speaking and community interaction
- Physically capable of conducting farm visits
- Knowledge of rural dynamics and group facilitation
Duties and Responsibilities
As an Assistant Agricultural Practitioner, your daily tasks will include:
- Providing hands-on support to farmers, including field visits and technical guidance
- Promoting sustainable agricultural practices (e.g., soil, water, and veld management)
- Assisting in food security projects and land reform support
- Organizing community farmer events and follow-up programmes
- Supporting the formation of cooperatives and farmer associations
- Collecting data for impact assessments and compiling field reports
- Working closely with stakeholders to strengthen extension services
How to Apply by Province
Free State
Email: recruitment@dard.gov.za (Att: Ms S Hlekiso)
Physical Address: Room 228, 1st Floor, Admin Building, Glen College of Agriculture, Glen
Gauteng
Apply Online: professionaljobcentre.gov.za
Physical Address: Ground Floor, 56 Eloff Street, Umnotho House, Johannesburg
KwaZulu-Natal
Email: kznjobssouth@dard.gov.za
Delivery Points:
- Cedara Office, 01 Cedara Road, Pietermaritzburg
- 4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton
- Lot 11634, Verbena & Aloe Loop Street, Richards Bay
Mpumalanga
Head Office: dardlearecruitment-ho@mpg.gov.za
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
Northern Cape
Email: blommiejacobs@ncpg.gov.za or tpika@ncpg.gov.za
Deliver To: 162 George Street, Kimberley, 8301
North West
Email: Dardrecruitment-HO@nwpg.gov.za (Att: Ms K Modiegi)
Deliver To: Ngaka Modiri Molema District Office, Training Centre, Mmabatho
Western Cape
Apply Online:
Application Instructions
- Submit only a completed and signed Z83 form along with a detailed CV
- Download the Z83 form here: https://www.dpsa.gov.za/newsroom/psvc/
- Do not attach certificates—only shortlisted applicants will be asked for documentation
- Apply to one province only and submit a separate application for each position
- If you do not receive a response within three months, consider your application unsuccessful
Contact for Enquiries
- Free State: Ms NF Ngulube – 079 228 1042
- Gauteng: Ms Gugu Nevondo – 072 756 5262
- KwaZulu-Natal: Mr NL Ntshangase – (033) 343 8133 / Mrs RN Ndwandwe – (033) 343 8498
- Mpumalanga: Ms S.P Shongwe – (013) 766 6003 / Ms N.E Hlatshwayo – (013) 766 6110
- Northern Cape: Ms L Phayane – 067 166 2580
- North West: Ms K Modiegi – (018) 384 3134
- Western Cape: Mr JD Aries – (021) 808 5103
Final Notes
- Apply only within your province of residence
- Preference is given to youth, women, and persons with disabilities
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo assessments and background checks
- All applications are subject to POPIA compliance
Conclusion
This is more than just a job—it’s your opportunity to make a difference in South Africa’s agricultural future. If you’re passionate about farming, ready to serve your community, and meet the requirements, apply today and start your journey as an Assistant Agricultural Practitioner.