The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has released Vacancy Circular No. 03 of 2026, confirming 135 paid internship and placement opportunities for unemployed agricultural graduates. This provincial programme is designed to provide practical, farm-based experience across a wide range of agricultural enterprises while supporting skills development and employability within the sector.
The internship programme runs over the 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years and targets graduates who require workplace exposure to strengthen their technical competence and readiness for employment. Placements are distributed across all districts in Limpopo and focus on real agricultural production environments rather than office-based work.
Overview of the Internship Programme
Purpose of the Programme
The internship programme aims to support agricultural graduates by combining structured workplace exposure with a fixed monthly stipend. Participants are placed on farms and agricultural projects where they gain experience in crop production, livestock management, citrus farming, poultry operations, subtropical agriculture, and mixed farming systems.
The initiative forms part of the department’s broader mandate to strengthen agricultural capacity, improve graduate employability, and support sustainable rural development.
Programme Duration and Structure
The programme is offered on a fixed-term contract of up to 24 months. Interns are placed according to their district of residence and the operational needs of the department. The focus remains on hands-on agricultural work aligned with production cycles and seasonal activities.
Participants receive a monthly stipend of R7 860,50 for the duration of the programme.
Who Can Apply
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must have completed Grade 12 and hold an NQF Level 6 qualification or higher in Agriculture or a related field. All qualifications must be recognised by SAQA.
Priority Conditions
Preference is given to unemployed graduates residing in Limpopo. Applicants must be entering a government internship or developmental programme for the first time. Graduates who have previously participated in a government internship for 12 months or longer and were registered on PERSAL will be disqualified.
Equity Considerations
The programme applies employment equity targets, with a focus on youth aged 18 to 35, graduates aged 36 to 40, women, and persons with disabilities.
Additional Conditions
Interns may not engage in private studies during the programme. Willingness to work abnormal hours is required, and placements are made strictly according to district availability and departmental needs.
Duties and Practical Exposure
Nature of the Work
This internship is focused on practical agricultural production rather than administrative tasks. Interns are expected to participate actively in farm operations and production processes.
Duties may include farm management support, crop scouting and monitoring, livestock disease control, dipping and dosing of animals, livestock identification, spraying operations, and record keeping. Interns may also assist with packaging, loading and off-loading of produce, marketing of agricultural products, identifying new markets, supervising workers, and supporting farm and production planning.
The exposure is designed to build real competence and confidence in agricultural environments.
Placement Areas and District Opportunities
District-Based Placements
Placements are available across all districts in Limpopo. Applicants must apply using the reference number linked to their district of residence.
Sekhukhune District placements cover citrus, crop production, animal production, subtropical farming, and table grape enterprises under reference number LDARD SEKH1/1/2026.
Mopani District placements include citrus estates, crop farms, and agricultural investment projects under reference number LDARD MOP2/1/2026.
Vhembe District placements focus on subtropical crops and mixed farming enterprises under reference number LDARD VHE3/1/2026.
Waterberg District placements include poultry operations, animal production, crop farms, and agricultural schools under reference number LDARD WAT4/1/2026.
Capricorn District placements cover crop production, citrus farming, and animal production enterprises under reference number LDARD CAP5/1/2026.
Application Process
How to Apply Correctly
Applicants must ensure their CV is clearly structured and relevant to agriculture. Applications must include certified copies of an identity document, qualifications, and academic transcripts. Proof of residence is recommended, and proof of unemployment may be included.
Applicants must apply within their district of residence and quote the correct reference number. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
Applications must be submitted to the relevant district office before the closing date of 13 February 2026 at 16:00.
Submission Addresses
Applications may be submitted to the following district offices.
Mopani District: Private Bag X577, Giyani 0826, or the Old Parliamentary Building in Giyani.
Waterberg District: Private Bag X1048, Modimolle 0510, or the NTK Building in Modimolle.
Capricorn District: Private Bag X28, Chuenespoort 0745, or Block 28 in Lebowakgomo.
Sekhukhune District: Private Bag X01, Chuenespoort 0745, or Block 27 in Lebowakgomo.
Vhembe District: Private Bag X2247, Sibasa 0970, or the Makwarela Government Offices.
Career Value of the Programme
Skills Development and Employability
The programme provides graduates with direct exposure to agricultural production systems, helping them translate academic knowledge into practical skills. This experience strengthens employability and prepares participants for roles in farming enterprises, agribusiness, and agricultural support services.
Contribution to Agricultural Capacity
By placing graduates directly into production environments, the programme contributes to strengthening agricultural capacity at a provincial level. Interns gain insight into operational challenges and opportunities within the sector, supporting long-term career development.
Conclusion
The Limpopo Department of Agriculture Internship Programme 2026 offers a structured and practical pathway for agricultural graduates to gain meaningful workplace experience while earning a monthly stipend. With placements across all districts and exposure to diverse agricultural enterprises, the programme plays an important role in building skills, confidence, and employability within the sector.
For unemployed agricultural graduates seeking hands-on experience and professional growth, this programme provides a credible and well-structured opportunity aligned with provincial development priorities.
