Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Internships 2026-2028: Gain Experience in Various Fields

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) is offering internship opportunities for unemployed South African graduates. This programme provides a chance to gain valuable work experience in various fields across all nine provinces. Applications are open until 30 November 2026.

Application Closing Date: 30 November 2026 at 16:00
Location: Various locations across South Africa
Programme Duration: 24 months
Monthly Stipend: R8 174.75, depending on qualification level
Minimum Qualification: Relevant National Diploma, Degree, or equivalent
Opportunity Type: Internship

About the DLRRD Internship Programme

The DLRRD Internship Programme is designed to offer practical experience to graduates. It aims to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in public service. The programme covers a wide range of fields, supporting the department’s mission in land reform and rural development.

This initiative focuses on structured learning and workplace exposure. It allows interns to contribute to real projects and understand the operational aspects of government departments. The goal is to build a pipeline of skilled professionals for the public sector.

The programme spans across various sectors, including Agriculture, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Law, and Town Planning. Interns will gain exposure to different areas of the department’s work, fostering a comprehensive understanding of its mandate.

About the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development is a government department in South Africa. Its primary focus is on addressing land issues, including land redistribution, restitution, and tenure reform. The department also works to promote rural development and improve the lives of people in rural areas.

DLRRD plays a critical role in transforming land ownership patterns and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. It aims to achieve equitable access to land and resources, contributing to economic growth and social justice.

Available Internship Fields

The Department is looking for graduates in many different areas. These internships offer a chance to apply academic knowledge in a professional setting.

• Agriculture
• Animal Production
• Business and Public Management
• Community Development
• Disaster and Risk Management
• Finance, Accounting and Auditing
• Property Management
• Town, Urban and Regional Planning
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Building and Civil Engineering
• Civil Engineering, Geomatics and Quantity Surveying
• Human Resources
• Records and Information Management
• Legal
• Communications, Journalism and Marketing
• Language Practice
• Information Technology (IT)
• Office Administration and Management
• Environmental Management
• Security Services
• Employee Health and Wellness
• Supply Chain Management
• Procurement and Contract Management
• Project Management
• Land Reform and Tenure
• Surveying, GIS and Remote Sensing
• Videography
• Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
• Youth Development

What the Internship Offers

Successful applicants will gain significant benefits during their 24-month internship. This includes practical experience and professional development.

• Valuable workplace experience in a government department.
• Exposure to various fields related to land reform and rural development.
• A monthly stipend to support living expenses.
• Opportunities for networking within the public sector.
• Potential for career development and future employment prospects.
• A chance to contribute to national development goals.

Programme Duration and Location

This internship programme is set to run for a period of 24 months. Interns will be placed in various national, provincial, and regional offices across all nine South African provinces. Specific locations will depend on the field of internship applied for.

The department aims to provide opportunities nationwide, ensuring that graduates from different regions can participate. This broad reach allows for diverse learning experiences based on local contexts.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for an internship, applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Must be an unemployed South African citizen.
• Must hold a relevant National Diploma, Degree, or equivalent qualification for the specific internship field.
• Must have completed Grade 12 where required for the specific post.
• Must not have previously participated in a Public Service internship programme.
• Must not have previously served as a contract worker in the Public Service.
• Must submit a separate application for each internship field they are interested in.

Applicants who have previously been part of a public service internship will be disqualified.

Competencies Required

While specific competencies may vary by field, the following general skills are beneficial for all interns:

• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Willingness to learn and adapt.
• A professional attitude towards work.
• Good organizational skills.
• Problem-solving abilities.

Who Should Apply?

This internship programme is ideal for unemployed South African graduates who have recently completed their studies. It is suited for individuals eager to gain practical experience in fields related to land reform, rural development, public administration, and related disciplines.

If you are looking to kick-start your career in the public sector and contribute to meaningful national development, this opportunity is for you. It’s a chance to build a professional foundation and understand government operations.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

• Completed Z83 application form.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Relevant academic transcripts or certificates.
• Any other supporting documents as specified in the advertisement for the specific field.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of their ID and qualifications. It is important to ensure all documents are accurate and up-to-date.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted in two ways: by hand delivery to the relevant provincial or national office, or online for specific Deeds Registry internships.

For hand delivery, find the correct address for your province or the national office from the list provided in the official advert. For Deeds Registry internships, applications can be submitted through the official Deeds portal.

Click here to apply for DLRRD Deeds Registry Internships 2026-2028

Ensure you clearly indicate the field of study you are applying for. If applying for multiple fields, submit a separate application for each.

Important Notes

Please keep the following points in mind when applying:

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Late applications will not be considered.
• Do not submit duplicate applications.
• Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA.
• Applications are subject to verification of qualifications and citizenship.
• Reference checks and security vetting may be conducted.
• The Department is an equal opportunity employer.
• DLRRD reserves the right not to fill advertised positions.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 30 November 2026 at 16:00. Ensure your application reaches the relevant office or online portal before this deadline.

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