The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD) invites unemployed South African graduates residing in KwaZulu-Natal to apply for the 2026–2028 Internship Recruitment Programme, a 24-month paid opportunity designed to provide professional and technical workplace experience within the public service.
Internship Application Closing Date: 05 December 2025
Internship Duration: 24 Months (1 April 2026 – 31 March 2028)
Internship Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Total Posts Available: 62
Monthly Stipend: Determined by NQF level and DPSA guidelines
Application Form: Z83 (Compulsory)
About the Department
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD) is responsible for advancing agriculture, promoting food security, land care, and rural economic development across the province.
This internship programme supports the department’s commitment to youth empowerment, professional development, and capacity building within the public sector. Participants will gain practical, on-the-job experience in a wide range of scientific, agricultural, engineering, administrative, and management fields.
Available Internship Fields & Reference Numbers
Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degrees
- Grassland Science – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/19/2025
- Microbiology (Hons) – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/20/2025
- Chemistry (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/21/2025
- Biochemistry (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/21/2025
- Plant Pathology (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/22/2025
- Entomology – 1 post – Ref: HR5/23/2025
- Biometry/Statistics – 1 post – Ref: HR5/24/2025
- Agriculture: Horticulture – 1 post – Ref: HR5/25/2025
- Agriculture: Pasture Science – 1 post – Ref: HR5/26/2025
- Advanced Diploma/BSc Consumer Science – 1 post – Ref: HR5/27/2025
- Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness – 1 post – Ref: HR5/28/2025
National Diplomas & ND/B-Tech Qualifications
- Animal Health – 3 posts – Ref: HR5/29/2025
- Office Administration / Management Assistance / Business Management – 11 posts – Ref: HR5/30/2025
Agriculture, Engineering & Management Fields
- BSc Agriculture/Civil Engineering (NQF 8) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/1/2025
- BTech/Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering (NQF 7) – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/2/2025
- Advanced Diploma: Agriculture/BTech Agriculture (NQF 7) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/3/2025
- ND/Advanced Diploma: Agriculture (NQF 6) – 4 posts – Ref: HR5/4/2025
- Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management – 1 post – Ref: HR5/5/2025
- ND/Degree in Human Resource Development/Management – 1 post – Ref: HR5/6/2025
- ND/Degree in Labour Relations – 1 post – Ref: HR5/7/2025
- Operations Management/Production Management – 1 post – Ref: HR5/8/2025
- ND/BTech/BCom: Financial Management/Accounting – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/9/2025
- Risk Management/Internal Control – 1 post – Ref: HR5/10/2025
- ND/Diploma/BTech: Supply Chain Management – 3 posts – Ref: HR5/11/2025
- ND/Degree Postgraduate/Honours: Public Policy – 1 post – Ref: HR5/12/2025
- ND/Diploma/Degree: Information Technology – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/13/2025
- ND/BTech: Public Relations/Media/Journalism – 1 post – Ref: HR5/14/2025
Science & Agriculture Specialisations
- BSc Agriculture (Soil Science) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/15/2025
- BSc GIS (Technologist) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/16/2025
- BSc Agrometeorology & Hydrology – 1 post – Ref: HR5/17/2025
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen residing in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Be unemployed and apply for the first time to a Public Service internship.
- Hold a completed National Diploma, Degree, Honours, or Postgraduate qualification in the relevant field.
- Submit all required supporting documents.
- Meet the specific qualification requirements per reference number.
Preference will be given to:
- Previously disadvantaged groups
- Persons living with disabilities
- Applicants from specified areas (as indicated in the advert)
⛔ Former interns may not apply.
How to Apply
Step 1: Download the Z83 Application Form
Get the official Z83 form from www.dpsa.gov.za.
Step 2: Prepare Certified Supporting Documents
Attach the following to your completed form:
- Application letter (quote reference number)
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified copies of academic qualifications and statement of results
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of ID
- Affidavit confirming residential address
Step 3: Submit Your Application
📬 Postal Address:
The Director: Human Resource Development
Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Private Bag X9059
Pietermaritzburg
3200
📍 Hand Delivery – Cedara Offices:
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
R103, Cedara Road
Reception Area, Ground Floor, Main Building
📍 Hand Delivery – South Service Centre:
4 Pin Oak Avenue
Hilton
3245
📍 North Service Centre – Richards Bay:
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Lot 11634, Corner of Verbena and Aloe Loop Street
Velden Vlei, Richards Bay
Important Notes
- Use the correct reference number for the position you are applying for.
- Applications must be posted or hand-delivered — no emails or faxes will be accepted.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- If you do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
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