Department of Tourism Skills Programme 2026/2027: Earn R200 a Day While Learning New Skills

The Department of Tourism invites suitably qualified unemployed young South Africans to apply for the Culinary Skills Programme in Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery for 2026/2027. This 12-month skills development opportunity offers a daily stipend of R200 to successful applicants who want to develop practical skills and explore career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry. The closing date for applications is 18 October 2026.

The programme is aimed at young people who have completed Matric and are interested in cooking, food preparation, food service and hospitality. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and meet the other requirements set out by the department.

The opportunity is available in selected towns across seven provinces: Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng. People living with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.

If you are unemployed and looking for an opportunity to develop skills that could help you enter the hospitality industry, here is what you need to know about the programme, the available locations, the requirements and how to apply.

Department of Tourism Skills Development Programme 2026/2027: Key Details

• Programme: Culinary Skills Programme in Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery
• Department: Department of Tourism
• Programme duration: 12 months
• Stipend: R200 per day
• Target applicants: Unemployed young South Africans
• Minimum qualification: Grade 12 (Matric)
• Age requirement: 18 to 35 years
• Available locations: Selected towns in seven provinces
• Closing date: 18 October 2026
• Application method: Online application form

Applicants should read all the requirements carefully before submitting their applications. Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection.

About the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme

The Department of Tourism is offering this skills development opportunity to help unemployed young people develop skills in two areas: food and beverage services and professional cookery.

These skills are used in different parts of the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, catering businesses and other establishments that prepare food or serve customers.

Professional cookery focuses on preparing and cooking food, following kitchen procedures and maintaining appropriate food preparation standards. Food and beverage services involve serving customers, handling service duties and helping ensure that customers have a good experience when eating or drinking at a hospitality establishment.

The 12-month programme is intended to help successful candidates develop skills relevant to these fields. It may be suitable for young people who enjoy cooking, want to learn more about hospitality or are interested in exploring work opportunities in the tourism sector.

Participants will receive a daily stipend of R200 while taking part in the programme. A stipend is an allowance paid to help support participants during a training or skills development programme. It should not automatically be treated as a monthly salary.

The department has not specified a fixed monthly stipend amount in the information provided. The total amount a participant receives will depend on the number of days for which the stipend is paid.

Available Provinces and Towns

The programme is open to eligible applicants from selected towns in seven provinces. Before applying, check whether your town is included in the list below.

1. Northern Cape

Applicants from the following towns may apply:

• Kuruman
• Kathu
• Upington
• Springbok

2. Eastern Cape

The available locations are:

• Port Elizabeth
• Lusikisiki
• Mthatha

3. Free State

Applications are invited from eligible candidates in:

• Phuthaditjhaba
• Harrismith
• Sasolburg
• Parys
• Kroonstad
• Viljoenskroon

4. North West

The listed towns are:

• Potchefstroom
• Mafikeng
• Klerksdorp

5. Limpopo

The available location is:

• Giyani

6. Mpumalanga

Applicants from these towns may apply:

• Ermelo
• Malelane

7. Gauteng

The listed locations are:

• Pretoria
• Soshanguve

Applicants should ensure that they provide accurate information about their details and residence when completing the application form. If you are unsure whether your location qualifies, check the official application form before submitting your details.

Minimum Requirements for the Department of Tourism Skills Programme

To be considered for the Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027, applicants must meet the requirements listed by the department.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

• Age: You must be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Education: You must have a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate.
• Language: You must be fluent in English.
• CV: You must submit a curriculum vitae.
• Identity document: You must provide a certified copy of your ID.
• Proof of residence: You must provide proof of where you live.
• Matric certificate: You must submit a certified copy of your Matric certificate.
• Interest in hospitality: You must have a genuine interest in tourism and hospitality.
• Working hours: You must be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays.

Applicants should make sure that they meet the age and education requirements before applying. They should also be prepared for the working arrangements expected in the hospitality industry.

Hotels, restaurants and catering businesses may need staff at times when other businesses are closed, including weekends and public holidays. Being willing to work flexible hours is therefore one of the stated requirements for this programme.

Who Cannot Apply?

The department has stated that people who previously participated in its learnership or skills development programmes will not be considered for this opportunity.

If you have taken part in one of these programmes before, check the official notice carefully before spending time on an application.

People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the programme requirements.

Documents Required When Applying

Applicants should prepare all the required documents before completing the online application form.

The documents listed in the programme information are:

1. Curriculum vitae (CV): Your CV should contain accurate contact details, educational information and any relevant experience.
2. Certified copy of your ID: This is required to confirm your identity.
3. Proof of residence: This document provides information about where you live.
4. Certified copy of your Matric certificate: This confirms that you have the required school qualification.

Check each document before submitting your application. Make sure the copies are clear and that the information can be read easily.

Missing documents or incomplete information may affect whether your application is considered. It is better to prepare everything in advance than to rush through the application close to the deadline.

Why Consider a Career in Food and Beverage Services or Professional Cookery?

The hospitality industry includes a range of jobs connected to preparing food, serving customers and helping businesses provide good service.

Skills in professional cookery may be useful in commercial kitchens, restaurants, hotels and catering operations. Food and beverage service skills may be relevant to restaurants, hotels, event venues and other hospitality businesses.

For unemployed young people who are interested in these areas, a structured skills development programme can provide an opportunity to learn more about the work involved and develop relevant abilities.

However, applicants should understand that completing the programme does not guarantee permanent employment. The opportunity is intended to help participants develop skills, and future employment will depend on available opportunities and individual circumstances.

How to Apply for the Department of Tourism Skills Programme 2026/2027

Eligible applicants should complete the online application form using the link below.

Application link: Apply for the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027

Before submitting your application, follow these steps:

1. Read the programme requirements carefully.
2. Confirm that you are between 18 and 35 years old and have Matric.
3. Check that your town is included in the available locations.
4. Prepare your CV, certified ID copy, proof of residence and certified Matric certificate.
5. Complete the online form with accurate information.
6. Check your answers and ensure that all required documents are submitted.
7. Submit your application before the closing date.

Keep a record of your application details in case you need to refer to them later.

Closing Date and Selection Process

The closing date for the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027 is 18 October 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their forms before the deadline and avoid waiting until the final day.

According to the programme information, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive communication within two weeks after the closing date, you should regard your application as unsuccessful.

If you meet the requirements, are interested in hospitality and are ready to commit to the 12-month programme, consider applying through the official online form before applications close.