2026 Animal Production Learnership Programme – R94 326 Annual Stipend
2026 Animal Production Learnership Programme – R94 326 Annual Stipend (REF NO: DARLEA/2025/12/38)
Closing Date: 25 December 2025 at 16:00
Centre: Victor Khanye Municipality
Stipend: R94 326 per annum
Posts: X2
South Africa’s agricultural sector continues to play a crucial role in national food security, rural development, and job creation. As the demand for skilled agricultural professionals rises, the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) has opened a highly valuable opportunity for graduates in Mpumalanga. The 2026 Animal Production Learnership Programme, supported by SSETA and the provincial government, offers two positions at the Victor Khanye Municipality, each providing an annual stipend of R94 326.
Apply Now: 2026 Animal Production Learnership with R94 326 Stipend
With applications closing on 12 December 2025 at 16:00, interested graduates are encouraged to apply early to secure their chance to enter the agricultural workforce through structured, meaningful workplace learning.
About the 2026 Animal Production Learnership
This learnership targets graduates who possess a National Diploma in Animal Production and are ready to apply their theoretical training in real-world environments. The programme is designed to strengthen agricultural support services within Mpumalanga’s districts and ensure young professionals gain the practical exposure needed to thrive in livestock and animal husbandry environments.
Over the duration of the programme, participants will gain experience in:
- Livestock management
- Animal nutrition and feeding systems
- Farm operations and production planning
- Animal health monitoring
- Record-keeping and compliance practices
- Field extension services
- Engagement with farmers and rural communities
This structured learnership prepares graduates for roles such as farm supervisors, extension officers, animal production technicians, research assistants, and junior agricultural advisors.
Financial Benefits: R94 326 Annual Stipend
Learners placed in the programme receive a competitive annual stipend of R94 326, paid to support their work-based learning activities and daily responsibilities.
This financial support ensures that young graduates can participate fully without worrying about transport, meals, or essential expenses. Compared to many entry-level agricultural roles, this stipend is considered above-average and competitive for early-career professionals.
Entry Requirements: Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Minimum Qualification
- National Diploma in Animal Production (no alternative qualifications accepted)
This ensures that participants enter the programme with the necessary baseline knowledge required to support animal production systems effectively.
Additional Requirements
- A fully completed and signed new Z83 form
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
- Clear indication of the reference number: DARLEA/2025/12/38
- Willingness to work in the Victor Khanye Municipality
- South African citizenship
- Willingness to participate in all training and work-based learning activities
No additional certificates are required at application stage beyond the CV and Z83 form, unless requested later.
How to Apply: District-Based Submission Process
Applications must include:
- Completed new Z83 form (available on DPSA website)
- A thorough and accurate CV
- Reference Number: DARLEA/2025/12/38
Applicants may submit via hand-delivery, postal service, or email, but must send applications to the correct district office.
Below are the official submission channels:
Ehlanzeni District Office
- Physical Address: Block 4, Aqua Street, Riverside Park, Mbombela, 1200
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 266, Mbombela, 1200
- Email: [email protected]
Bohlabela District Office
- Physical Address: 101 Main Road, Thulamahashe
- Postal Address: Private Bag X1321, Thulamahashe, 1365
- Email: [email protected]
Gert Sibande District Office
- Physical Address: 44 Church Street, Ermelo
- Postal Address: Private Bag X9071, Ermelo, 2350
- Email: [email protected]
Nkangala District Office
- Physical Address: Ebhudlweni Building, Government Complex, KwaMhlanga
- Postal Address: Private Bag X4017, KwaMhlanga, 1022
- Email: [email protected]
Important:
Applicants must send to the correct district office. Incorrect submissions may lead to disqualification.
Application Deadline
The closing date is:
25 December 2025 at 16:00
Late submissions will not be considered. Applicants applying for more than one post must submit separate applications for each vacancy.
Selection and Enquiries
For assistance or clarification, applicants may contact the officials below:
- Mr A. Kekana – 079 630 1770
- Ms I.T. Masombuka – 072 747 7776
These contacts are for enquiries only and not for application submissions.
Why This Learnership Matters
South Africa’s animal production sector is central to:
- Food security
- Rural employment
- Commercial and small-scale farming growth
- Sustainability in livestock industries
By training young graduates, the programme strengthens long-term agricultural capacity across Mpumalanga. This is especially vital for emerging farmers who rely on skilled extension support to improve productivity and adopt modern production systems.
The learnership also forms part of SSETA and government’s mission to expand structured workplace learning and support agricultural transformation by empowering qualified, young agricultural professionals.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Animal Production Learnership Programme offers a rare chance for graduates to step into a paid, structured agricultural training opportunity within the Victor Khanye Municipality. With only two posts available and an attractive stipend of R94 326 per annum, competition will be strong.
Graduates holding a National Diploma in Animal Production are encouraged to apply as soon as possible—before the closing date of 25 December 2025 at 16:00.
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