Company: Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE)
Industry: Public Sector / Environmental Services
Job Category: Internship / Environmental Graduate Programme
Location: Gamagara Local Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Internship (6 Months)
Remuneration: R5,445.00 Monthly Stipend
EE Position: Yes – Focus on Youth, Women (60%) and Persons with Disabilities (2%)
Closing Date: 11 July 2025
Introduction
Are you a passionate graduate seeking work experience in the environmental or agricultural sciences sector? The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in collaboration with Gamagara Local Municipality, is offering a 6-month Youth Graduate Internship Programme (YGIP) for unemployed South African youth.
This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain professional exposure in government while contributing to environmental sustainability and community-based development. With a strong focus on youth empowerment, gender equity, and inclusion, this programme aims to develop skilled professionals for the future of South Africa’s green economy.
Job Description
The DFFE x Gamagara Local Municipality Internship Programme offers structured experiential learning in areas aligned with environmental management, conservation, and natural sciences. Interns will be embedded within the Environmental Office of Gamagara Municipality, where they will assist with ongoing projects related to environmental compliance, horticulture, conservation, and safety.
Interns will receive monthly stipends of R5,445.00 and participate in workplace training that aligns with their academic background and career aspirations.
Ideal Candidate
This opportunity is designed for young South African graduates who are currently unemployed and seeking their first exposure in the public service sector. Candidates should have an interest in environmental sustainability, community development, or natural resource management.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- South African citizenship (youth only, aged 18–35)
- Unemployed and not previously enrolled in any Public Service internship programme
- Completed a minimum three-year tertiary qualification in a relevant environmental or science field
- Demonstrated interest in contributing to local environmental initiatives
- Availability for the full 6-month duration (starting 2025)
Role Responsibility
Interns will support the Environmental Office at Gamagara Local Municipality and will be involved in a variety of practical tasks across environmental disciplines. Specific responsibilities may include:
- Supporting environmental audits and inspections
- Assisting in community outreach and awareness campaigns
- Aiding in horticultural and nature conservation projects
- Participating in waste management and pollution control
- Assisting with data collection, reporting, and policy compliance
- Working alongside municipal officials to implement local sustainability initiatives
Skills and Attributes
To succeed in this internship, candidates should possess both technical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills.
Preferred Competencies:
- Strong communication and report-writing skills
- Interest in sustainability and biodiversity
- Good organizational and time-management abilities
- Willingness to learn and adapt to a government environment
- Collaborative and community-focused mindset
- Basic knowledge of environmental legislation and policies is an advantage
Fields of Study Accepted
Applicants must hold a minimum three-year qualification in one of the following:
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Horticulture
- Ecologist Studies
- Botany
- Nature Conservation
- Forestry
- Natural Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
Note: Candidates should ensure their CV reflects core academic modules. Transcripts are strongly encouraged to enhance evaluation.
SEE ALSO: GALXBOY Is Hiring Sales Assistants Gauteng, North West & Mpumalanga
Position Summary
The DFFE Youth Graduate Internship 2025 in partnership with Gamagara Local Municipality represents a strategic initiative to address youth unemployment and build future capacity in environmental sectors. This programme is ideal for recent graduates who are passionate about green innovation, biodiversity, and local development.
With a monthly stipend, hands-on experience, and career exposure in public environmental services, this internship can be a launchpad into full-time employment or postgraduate opportunities in the environmental field.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit the following:
- A detailed CV (with major subjects and relevant academic history)
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified copies of academic qualifications and records
Submission Methods:
By Post:
Gamagara Local Municipality
Environmental Office
P.O. Box 1001
Kathu 8446
Or Hand Deliver to:
CNR Hendrick Van Eck & Frikkie Meyer Road
Municipal Reception – Submission Box Provided
Important Note:
- Incomplete, late, e-mailed, or faxed applications will not be considered
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Preference will be given to women (60%) and persons with disabilities (2%)