South Africa continues to face high youth unemployment, especially among graduates who have completed technical and vocational education but lack workplace experience. To address this challenge, the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality in the Free State has introduced the TVET Agricultural Graduate Internship Programme for 2026. This initiative is designed to provide unemployed agricultural graduates with practical training, skills development, and exposure to real working environments within the agricultural and rural development sector.
The programme forms part of the municipality’s commitment to rural development, food security, and youth empowerment. Agriculture plays a vital role in the economy of the Thabo Mofutsanyana District, and the municipality understands that the future of the sector depends on skilled, trained, and motivated young professionals. This internship offers graduates the opportunity to apply what they have learned in college while gaining valuable experience that will help them secure long-term employment.
This internship is specifically aimed at TVET college graduates who hold qualifications in agriculture or farming-related fields. Many graduates struggle to enter the job market because employers require practical experience, which most young people do not have. Through this 12-month structured placement, participants will gain hands-on experience in agricultural operations, rural development initiatives, and municipal support services for farmers and communities.
The internship will be hosted within the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality’s Agriculture and Rural Development Unit. Interns will work alongside qualified professionals and be involved in a wide range of activities. These may include supporting local farmers, assisting with agricultural projects, participating in community development programmes, and contributing to food security initiatives across the district. This real-world exposure helps interns understand how agriculture is managed at municipal level and how government supports rural development.
One of the most important benefits of this programme is that it is funded, meaning that successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend during the 12-month placement. This financial support allows graduates to focus on learning and gaining experience without the stress of being unpaid. It also makes the programme accessible to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not be able to afford unpaid internships.
The Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality is located in the eastern part of the Free State and covers areas such as Bethlehem, Phuthaditjhaba, Harrismith, QwaQwa, and surrounding rural communities. Agriculture is a key economic activity in this region, including crop production, livestock farming, and emerging small-scale farming. The municipality plays a crucial role in supporting farmers through training, infrastructure development, and access to resources. Interns will therefore gain exposure to both commercial and small-scale agricultural operations.
To qualify for the TVET Agricultural Graduate Internship Programme, applicants must be South African citizens who are currently unemployed and have completed a National Diploma or equivalent qualification in Agriculture or Farming from a recognised TVET college or agricultural institution. Applicants must also be residents of the Thabo Mofutsanyana District. This ensures that the programme benefits local youth and strengthens the skills base within the district.
The municipality also requires applicants to be first-time participants in funded graduate or internship programmes. This means that individuals who have already benefited from similar government-funded placements may not be eligible. Applicants must be willing to work in any part of the district where they are placed and must be available for the full 12-month duration of the programme.
As part of the application process, candidates are required to submit a comprehensive set of documents. These include a detailed curriculum vitae, a covering letter explaining why they are applying, certified copies of their identity document, and certified copies of their qualifications. An affidavit from the South African Police Service confirming that the applicant has not previously received funding from another programme is also required. These documents help the municipality verify eligibility and ensure that the programme is allocated fairly.
Once selected, interns will be placed in different agricultural and rural development projects across the district. They will receive mentorship, supervision, and ongoing support throughout the programme. The aim is not only to give them work experience, but also to help them develop professional skills such as communication, teamwork, reporting, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for building a successful career in the agricultural sector.
By the end of the 12 months, interns will have built a strong portfolio of experience that can significantly improve their chances of finding employment. Many employers prefer candidates who have practical exposure, and this programme provides exactly that. Graduates who complete the internship will be better prepared to work in government, agribusiness, farming enterprises, cooperatives, and development organisations.
This internship also contributes to broader national goals such as youth empowerment, food security, and rural development. By investing in young agricultural graduates, the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality is helping to build a new generation of skilled professionals who can drive sustainable agriculture and economic growth in the Free State and beyond.
The closing date for applications for the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality TVET Agricultural Graduate Internship Programme 2026 is 29 January 2026. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents carefully and submit them on time.
This programme is an excellent opportunity for young people who have studied agriculture and are looking for a way to start their careers. It provides structured training, financial support, and valuable experience in a real working environment. For TVET agricultural graduates in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District, this internship could be the first step toward a successful and meaningful career in agriculture and rural development.
Apply here:
lebohang@tmdm.gov.za
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