Department of Land Reform and Rural Development Internships 2026/2027: Gain Experience in Public Service

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) is offering internship opportunities for unemployed South African graduates to gain valuable work experience. This programme is open to individuals with relevant qualifications looking to start their careers in the public service sector. Applications close on 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: National Diploma, Degree, or equivalent (Matric may be required for some fields)
Opportunity Type: Internship

About the DLRRD Internship Programme

The DLRRD Internship Programme is designed to provide practical experience and skills development for recent graduates. The programme aims to equip interns with the knowledge and abilities needed to succeed in various public service roles. It covers a wide array of fields, offering a structured learning environment.

This internship is ideal for those seeking to enter the public sector and contribute to land reform and rural development initiatives. Interns will work in different departments, gaining exposure to real-world challenges and solutions within government. The programme focuses on building a pipeline of skilled professionals for the public service.

About the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development is a government department responsible for policies and programmes related to land reform, land restitution, land redistribution, and rural development in South Africa. It plays a key role in addressing historical land inequalities and promoting sustainable land use and economic growth in rural areas.

The DLRRD operates across all nine provinces, working to ensure equitable access to land and resources for all South Africans. Its work is crucial for social justice and economic development, aiming to create a more inclusive and prosperous society.

Available Internship Fields

The Department is recruiting graduates across a broad range of disciplines. These opportunities cater to various academic backgrounds, providing a chance to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

Agriculture Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Crop Production
• Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Management
• Agricultural Extension
• Agribusiness Management
• Rural Development
• Development Studies
• Animal Production
• Project Management

Animal Production Internships

Opportunities are available for graduates with qualifications in:

• Agriculture
• Animal Production
• Animal Nutrition
• Livestock Production Systems
• Animal Breeding and Genetics

Business and Public Management Internships

Applicants may qualify with studies in:

• Business Management
• Economics
• Public Management
• Related fields

Community Development Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Social Science
• Development Studies
• Public Administration
• Public Management
• Project Management

Disaster and Risk Management Internships

Graduates may apply with qualifications in:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Disaster Risk Management
• Botany
• Related fields

Finance, Accounting and Auditing Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Finance
• Accounting
• Financial Accounting
• Cost and Management Accounting
• Financial Management
• Public Finance
• Auditing
• Internal Auditing
• Public Management

Property Management Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Property Management
• Property Law
• Real Estate
• Property Studies
• Public Management
• Law
• LLB
• Regional Planning
• Social Sciences

Town, Urban and Regional Planning Internships

Applicants should have a National Diploma or Degree in:

• Town Planning
• Urban Planning
• Regional Planning
• Related fields

Geographic Information Systems Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Geoinformatics
• Geography
• Cartography
• Geomatics
• Geographic Information Systems
• Computer Science
• Surveying

Building and Civil Engineering Internships

Applicants may qualify with a National Diploma or Degree in:

• Building
• Civil Engineering
• Related engineering disciplines

Civil Engineering, Geomatics and Quantity Surveying Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Civil Engineering
• Geomatics
• Information Engineering
• Quantity Surveying
• Architecture

Human Resources Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Human Resource Management
• Labour Relations
• Labour Law
• Public Management
• Public Administration
• Management of Training
• Industrial Psychology
• Human Resource Development
• Public Affairs

Records and Information Management Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Information Management
• Records Management
• Archives Management
• Information Science
• Public Administration
• Public Management
• Knowledge Management
• Library Information Science

Legal Internships

Applicants may qualify with studies in:

• Law
• LLB
• BProc
• Legal Secretary
• Paralegal Studies
• Humanities
• Social Sciences

Communications, Journalism and Marketing Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Communication
• Public Relations
• Media Studies
• Journalism
• Marketing

Language Practice Internship

Applicants may qualify with:

• Language Practice
• Linguistics
• Translation Studies
• Communications
• Related fields

Information Technology Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Software Development
• Computer Systems Engineering
• Information Systems
• Information Management
• Business Information

Office Administration and Management Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Administration Management
• Business Administration
• Public Management
• Public Relations
• Social Science
• Office Administration
• Management Assistant
• Office Management and Technology

Environmental Management Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Environmental Management
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Environmental Planning

Security Services Internships

Applicants should have a National Diploma or Degree in:

• Security Management
• Policing
• Police Science

Employee Health and Wellness Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Social Work
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Industrial Psychology
• Social Behavioural Studies

Supply Chain Management Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Public Management
• Public Administration
• Logistics
• Supply Chain Management
• Transport Management
• Purchasing Management

Procurement and Contract Internships

Applicants should have a relevant National Diploma or Degree in:

• Public Management
• Public Administration
• Logistics
• Supply Chain Management
• Transport Management
• Purchasing Management

Project Management Internships

Relevant fields include:

• Project Management
• Public Management
• Information Technology Project Management
• Development Studies
• Construction Management
• Infrastructure Development
• Agriculture
• Agricultural Economics
• Administration

Land Reform and Tenure Internships

Opportunities include:

• Tenure Reform
• Tenure Reform Implementation
• Strategic Land Development
• Strategic Land Acquisition
• Project Management and Land Acquisition

Surveying, GIS and Remote Sensing Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Geomatics
• Surveying
• Geographic Information Systems
• Remote Sensing
• Geographic Information

Videography Internship

Applicants should have a National Diploma or Degree in:

• Video Production
• Cinematography
• Film Making
• Related fields

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Internship

Relevant qualifications include:

• Social Science
• Community Development Studies
• Disability Studies
• Public Management

Youth Development Internship

Applicants should have a Diploma or Degree in:

• Development Studies
• Social Sciences
• Project Management
• Related fields

What the Internship Offers

Successful interns will gain significant workplace experience within a government department. This programme provides structured training and exposure to various aspects of public service and land reform. Interns will receive a monthly stipend to support them during the 24-month programme.

The internship offers a chance to develop practical skills, build a professional network, and understand the operations of a government department. It is an excellent opportunity for career development and gaining a qualification or certificate relevant to their field of study.

Programme Duration and Location

This internship programme runs for a duration of 24 months. Opportunities are available at national, provincial, and regional offices across all nine provinces of South Africa. Specific locations will depend on the field of internship applied for.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Meet the academic requirements for the internship field being applied for.
• Hold the relevant National Diploma, Degree, or equivalent qualification specified for the post.
• Have 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 every internship field applied for.

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

Competencies Required

While specific competencies may vary by field, general skills beneficial for this internship include:

• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Willingness to learn and adapt
• Professional attitude
• Self-motivation
• Attention to detail

Who Should Apply?

This internship is ideal for unemployed South African graduates who hold a relevant National Diploma or Degree and are eager to gain practical experience in the public service. It is particularly suited for individuals interested in land reform, rural development, and public administration. If you are looking to kick-start your career in government, this programme offers a solid foundation.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

• Completed Z83 application form.
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Relevant academic transcripts or certificates.
• Supporting documents as required by the specific advertisement.

The advert states that applications must clearly indicate the field of study being applied for. Applicants applying for more than one field must submit a separate application for each opportunity. Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of documents such as ID and qualifications.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted in two ways:

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

2. Online Application (Deeds Registries):
Internship opportunities at the Office of the Chief Registrar of Deeds and participating Deeds Registries may be submitted through the official Deeds portal.
Click here to apply for DLRRD Deeds Registry Internships 2026-2028
This online portal applies to opportunities at participating Deeds Registries including North Gauteng, South Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Qonce, Mthatha, Free State and Vryburg.

Important Notes

Please take note of the following important application information:

• Separate applications must be submitted for each internship applied for.
• Late applications will not be considered.
• Duplicate applications should not be submitted.
• Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA.
• Applications are subject to qualification verification.
• Citizenship may be verified.
• Reference checks may be conducted.
• Security vetting will apply to successful candidates.
• False or fraudulent qualifications may be reported to SAPS.
• DLRRD is an equal opportunity employer.
• The Department reserves the right not to fill advertised opportunities.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 30 November 2026 at 16:00. Applicants should ensure that their applications reach the relevant office or online portal before this deadline.

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