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 aims to provide valuable workplace experience and training across a wide range of fields. Applications are open for the 2026-2028 period.

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
Opportunity Type: Internship

About the DLRRD Internship Programme

This internship programme is designed to equip graduates with practical skills and exposure within the public service. The Department offers opportunities in fields such as Agriculture, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Law, and Project Management. These positions are available at national, provincial, and regional offices, covering all nine provinces of South Africa.

The programme focuses on structured learning and development, allowing interns to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. It is an excellent entry point for graduates looking to build a career in public administration and land reform.

About the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development is a government department responsible for land reform, land restitution, and rural development initiatives in South Africa. It plays a critical role in addressing historical land inequalities and promoting sustainable land use and development. The department operates across various sectors to ensure equitable access to land and resources.

Available Internship Fields

The DLRRD is seeking graduates with qualifications in numerous disciplines. These include, but are not limited to:

• Agriculture: Crop Production, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Management, Rural Development, Agribusiness Management.
• Animal Production: Agriculture, Animal Production, Livestock Production Systems.
• Business and Public Management: Business Management, Economics, Public Management.
• Community Development: Social Science, Development Studies, Public Administration.
• Disaster and Risk Management: Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, Disaster Risk Management.
• Finance, Accounting and Auditing: Finance, Accounting, Financial Accounting, Auditing.
• Property Management: Property Management, Property Law, Real Estate, Public Management.
• Town, Urban and Regional Planning: Town Planning, Urban Planning, Regional Planning.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Geoinformatics, Geography, Cartography, GIS.
• Engineering: Building, Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Architecture.
• Human Resources: Human Resource Management, Labour Relations, Public Management.
• Records and Information Management: Information Management, Records Management, Archives Management.
• Legal: Law, LLB, BProc, Legal Secretary.
• Communications, Journalism and Marketing: Communication, Public Relations, Media Studies, Journalism.
• Language Practice: Language Practice, Linguistics, Translation Studies.
• Information Technology: Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Development.
• Office Administration and Management: Administration Management, Business Administration, Public Management.
• Environmental Management: Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Geography.
• Security Services: Security Management, Policing, Police Science.
• Employee Health and Wellness: Social Work, Psychology, Public Health.
• Supply Chain Management: Public Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management.
• Procurement and Contract: Public Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management.
• Project Management: Project Management, Public Management, Development Studies.
• Land Reform and Tenure: Tenure Reform, Strategic Land Development, Project Management.
• Surveying, GIS and Remote Sensing: Geomatics, Surveying, Geographic Information Systems.
• Videography: Video Production, Cinematography, Film Making.
• Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Social Science, Community Development Studies, Disability Studies.
• Youth Development: Development Studies, Social Sciences, Project Management.

What the Internship Offers

Successful applicants will gain significant benefits from this programme, including:

• 24 months of valuable workplace experience.
• Exposure to government operations and public service.
• A monthly stipend of R8 174.75, which may increase based on qualification level.
• The opportunity to develop professional skills and build a career network.
• Practical training relevant to their field of study.

Programme Duration and Location

The internship programme runs for a period of 24 months. Opportunities are available in various locations across all nine provinces of South Africa, as well as at national offices in Pretoria. Specific locations will depend on the internship field applied for.

Minimum Requirements

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

• Be an unemployed South African citizen.
• Hold a relevant National Diploma, Degree, or equivalent qualification as specified for the internship field.
• Meet the specific academic requirements for the internship field.
• Have completed Grade 12 where required.
• Not have previously participated in a Public Service internship programme.
• Not have previously served as a contract worker in the Public Service.
• Submit a separate application for each internship field applied for.

Applicants who have previously participated in an internship programme in the Public Service will be disqualified.

Competencies Required

The Department seeks individuals who possess a range of skills and personal attributes. These may include:

• Strong communication skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn and adapt.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• A professional attitude and self-motivation.
• Attention to detail.

Who Should Apply?

This internship programme is ideal for unemployed South African graduates who are eager to gain practical experience in fields related to land reform, rural development, and public administration. It is particularly suited for individuals looking to start their careers within the government sector and contribute to national development goals.

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 supporting documents specified in the advertisement for the particular field.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of their ID and qualifications. Applicants applying for more than one field must submit a separate application for each.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted in two ways:

1. Hand Delivery:
Applications can be hand-delivered to the relevant provincial or national office. The addresses for each province and the national office are provided in the official advert.

2. Online Application (Deeds Registries):
For internship opportunities at the Office of the Chief Registrar of Deeds and participating Deeds Registries, applications may be submitted through the official Deeds portal.
Click here to apply for DLRRD Deeds Registry Internships 2026-2028

This online portal is for opportunities at Deeds Registries in North Gauteng, South Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Qonce, Mthatha, Free State, and Vryburg.

Applicants should ensure they clearly indicate the field of study they are applying for.

Important Notes

Please take note of the following important points regarding your application:

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Late applications will not be considered.
• Ensure you submit a separate application for each internship field.
• Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA.
• Applications are subject to qualification verification and citizenship checks.
• Reference checks and security vetting may be conducted.
• The Department reserves the right not to fill advertised opportunities.
• DLRRD is an equal opportunity employer.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 30 November 2026 at 16:00. Ensure your application is submitted on time, either by hand delivery or through the online portal for Deeds Registry internships.

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