About the Kukhula Learnership Programme 2025–2026
The Kukhula Learnership Programme 2025–2026 is one of South Africa’s most empowering skills development initiatives, offering practical, accredited training to unemployed youth, employed learners, and persons with disabilities.
This programme plays a crucial role in closing the gap between education and employability by combining theoretical learning with workplace experience. It aligns directly with the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) and supports South Africa’s drive for inclusive, sustainable growth through education and training.
Participants gain nationally recognised qualifications, hands-on experience, and the opportunity to improve their career prospects, whether they are entering the job market for the first time or advancing within their current fields.
Why the Kukhula Learnership Programme Matters
With youth unemployment remaining one of South Africa’s biggest challenges, the Kukhula Learnership Programme provides a vital bridge to employment and financial independence.
Each learnership offers participants both practical experience and a monthly stipend, helping learners gain valuable exposure while easing financial pressure.
Kukhula also ensures inclusivity by creating tailored pathways for:
- Unemployed individuals seeking their first opportunity.
- Currently employed learners wishing to enhance their professional qualifications.
- Persons with disabilities, who are given equitable access to accredited training.
This comprehensive approach aligns with Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) principles and strengthens South Africa’s workforce development agenda.
Who Can Apply for the Kukhula Learnership 2025–2026
Kukhula’s learnerships are open to three main applicant categories:
- Unemployed individuals
- Employed learners
- Persons with disabilities
Each group has its own documentation requirements to ensure eligibility and compliance with SETA-accredited standards. Applicants must ensure that all documents are certified, clear, and valid (not older than three months).
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Required Documents by Category
Below is a complete list of the documentation needed for each applicant type.
1. For Disabled Learnership Applicants
Applicants living with disabilities must submit the following certified documents (not older than 3 months):
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Medical letter from a licensed doctor confirming the disability
- Completed ITR-DD form signed by a registered medical professional
- Recent bank statement in your name (not older than 1 month)
- SARS document with tax number and official stamp
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of your highest qualification (Matric certificate or school report)
- Proof of residence (e.g., municipal bill or store account)
These documents verify eligibility under South Africa’s employment equity and disability inclusion legislation.
2. For Unemployed Learnership Applicants
Unemployed learners must include the following certified documents (not older than 3 months):
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Recent bank statement in your name (not older than 1 month)
- SARS document showing your tax number and SARS stamp
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of highest qualification (Matric certificate or school report)
- Proof of residence (utility bill or store account)
These details confirm your unemployment status and eligibility for sponsored training.
3. For Employed Learnership Applicants
Currently employed applicants must prepare:
- Completed enrolment pack provided by your employer or Kukhula
- Letter from your employer confirming employment and support for participation
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of highest qualification
- Proof of residence (utility bill or store account)
This ensures that both employer and employee are aligned on participation in the training programme.
Important Application Reminders
Before submitting your application, please note:
- Incomplete or missing documentation will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Ensure that all copies are legible and correctly certified.
- Use clear digital scans or high-quality photos when uploading.
- Double-check that all documents are named properly and submitted in the correct format.
Kukhula follows strict administrative standards to ensure fair and transparent application processing, so attention to detail is crucial.
How to Apply for the Kukhula Learnership Programme 2025–2026
Applications must be submitted online through the official Kukhula application portal.
Apply here: Kukhula Learnership Programme 2025–2026
Application Steps:
- Visit the Kukhula Learnership application portal.
- Select the appropriate learnership category (Unemployed, Employed, or Disabled).
- Upload all required certified documents.
- Submit your completed application.
- Wait for a confirmation message indicating that your application has been received.
If shortlisted, you may be contacted for further screening, interviews, or assessments, depending on the type of learnership.
FAQs: Understanding the Kukhula Learnership Programme
Q: Who funds the Kukhula Learnerships?
A: Kukhula learnerships are funded through partnerships between corporations and government skills development initiatives under the SETA framework.
Q: Do learners receive a stipend?
A: Yes. Unemployed learners receive a monthly stipend to cover basic costs during training. The amount may vary depending on the learnership.
Q: Are the qualifications nationally recognised?
A: Yes. All learnerships are accredited by the relevant SETA and recognised under the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Q: What happens after completing the programme?
A: Learners receive a nationally recognised qualification, and many go on to secure internships or permanent employment through Kukhula’s network of industry partners.
Why Kukhula’s Learnerships Stand Out
Unlike conventional training programmes that focus only on theory, Kukhula integrates real-world workplace experience into every stage of learning. Participants engage in practical projects and mentorship that prepare them for actual job roles.
For employers, this approach enhances workplace productivity, B-BBEE compliance, and skills development reporting.
For learners, it builds confidence, employability, and professional readiness.
By empowering youth, workers, and persons with disabilities alike, Kukhula contributes directly to South Africa’s vision of a skilled, inclusive workforce.
Conclusion
The Kukhula Learnership Programme 2025–2026 represents more than just a training opportunity — it’s a chance to transform potential into purpose. By focusing on inclusivity, compliance, and quality education, Kukhula continues to open doors for thousands of South Africans looking to change their futures.
If you’re ready to gain practical skills, recognised qualifications, and industry exposure, prepare your documents and submit your application before the intake window closes.
Apply today through the official Kukhula Learnership portal and take the first step toward building a stronger, more empowered future.
