Mpumalanga Agriculture Graduate Placement Programme 2025/2027 (X140 Posts)

The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Graduate Placement Programme 2025/2027 (X140 Posts). The closing date for applications is 12 December 2025 at 16:00. If you are an unemployed Agricultural graduate dreaming of real work experience and a stable income, this could be the step that changes your life forever.

This opportunity is not just another internship. It is a fully structured 24-month Graduate Placement Programme designed to welcome young people into the real world of farming, food production, animal care, crop management and environmental protection. It is one of the biggest investments the Mpumalanga government has made in youth development in recent years and is focused on creating real jobs, real skills and real impact in rural communities.

For many graduates who have completed their diplomas in agriculture but are still sitting at home, this programme brings hope. It offers both experience and income, which is exactly what most companies look for when hiring new employees.

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What Is the Mpumalanga Agriculture Graduate Placement Programme?

This is a two-year (24 months) fixed-term programme created by DARDLEA to help unemployed Agricultural graduates gain hands-on working experience in their field of study. Successful candidates will be placed across different municipalities in Mpumalanga where they will learn directly on farms, research stations, extension offices and rural development projects.

The programme focuses on areas such as:

• Crop production
• Animal production
• Livestock management
• Poultry farming
• Mixed farming systems
• Horticulture
• Environmental and rural development support

You will not just sit in an office. You will be working in the field, learning by doing, and gaining skills that will help you build a strong and respected career in agriculture.

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How Much Will You Earn During the Programme?

All selected graduates will receive a stipend of R94 326 per annum, which is about R7 860 per month. This money is there to support you while you gain experience and help you cover your basic costs, such as transport, food and accommodation.

For a graduate programme, this is a good and fair amount, especially for those living in rural areas where job opportunities are limited.

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Who Can Apply For These 140 Positions?

To qualify for the Mpumalanga Agriculture Graduate Placement Programme, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen
• Be unemployed
• Have a National Diploma in Agriculture (Crop Production, Animal Production, Poultry, Livestock, Horticulture, Mixed Farming or a related field)
• Be willing to work in rural and farming communities
• Be ready to commit to the full 24 months
• Submit a completed Z83 form and an updated CV
• Quote the correct reference number for the post you are applying for

No previous work experience is needed. This programme is meant for new graduates who are looking for their first big opportunity in the agriculture industry.

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Breakdown of Available Posts Across Mpumalanga

There are 140 graduate placement opportunities spread across many municipalities in Mpumalanga. This means you have a good chance of being placed close to your home.

Some of the key areas include:

Mkhondo Municipality

• Crop & Livestock Production (X2)
• Crop Production

Msukaligwa Municipality

• Animal Production (X2)
• Crop & Animal Production (X2)

Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality

• Crop Production (X7)
• Crop & Animal Production

Govan Mbeki Municipality

• Poultry Production (X3)
• Vegetable Production (X3)
• Mixed Crop & Animal Production

Bushbuckridge South Municipality

• Crop Production (Multiple posts)
• Animal Production
• Crop & Animal Production

Mbombela, Nkomazi, Emalahleni, Steve Tshwete and More

Several different roles in:

• Animal Production
• Crop Production
• Horticulture
• Poultry and Vegetable Production
• Layers & Grain Farming

These placements mean you will gain very focused and valuable training in your specific area of study.

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Why This Programme Is So Important

This programme is not only about giving you a job for two years. It is about:

• Building real work experience
• Improving your CV
• Growing your confidence
• Giving you professional references
• Opening doors to permanent jobs
• Helping rural communities grow food and become stronger

Many graduates from similar programmes later find work in:

• Government departments
• Commercial farms
• Agricultural research institutes
• NGOs
• Agribusiness companies
• Food production companies

So this is more than just a temporary opportunity. It is the beginning of a long-term career.

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How To Apply For The Mpumalanga Agriculture Graduate Programme

Your application must include:

• A fully completed and signed Z83 application form
• Your updated CV

If you apply for more than one position, you must submit separate applications with the correct reference numbers for each one.

Where To Submit Your Application

You can deliver your application by hand, by post, or by email to the district office closest to you:

Ehlanzeni District
Block 4, Aqua Street, Riverside Park, Mbombela
Email: dardlearecruitment-ehls@mpg.gov.za

Bohlabela District
101 Main Road, Thulamahashe
Email: dardlearecruitment-ehln@mpg.gov.za

Gert Sibande District
44 Church Street, Ermelo
Email: dardlearecruitment-gs@mpg.gov.za

Nkangala District
Ebhudlweni Building, KwaMhlanga
Email: dardlearecruitment-nka@mpg.gov.za

Make sure your documents are clear, correct and sent before the deadline of 12 December 2025 at 16:00.

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Do Not Miss Out On This Rare Opportunity

The Mpumalanga Agriculture Graduate Placement Programme 2025/2027 is one of the biggest chances for unemployed agricultural graduates in South Africa right now. With 140 posts available, thousands of young people will apply. This means you need to act fast and prepare your documents as soon as possible.

If agriculture is your passion, and you truly want to make a difference in your community, then this programme could be the perfect starting point for your future.