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 experience. This programme is designed for individuals looking to start their careers in various fields within the public service. 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: National Diploma, Degree, or equivalent (varies by field)
Opportunity Type: Internship

About the DLRRD Internship Programme

The DLRRD Internship Programme aims to provide practical work experience and professional development to recent graduates. This initiative supports the department’s mission by offering structured learning and exposure to real-world challenges within government. The programme covers a wide array of disciplines, allowing interns to contribute to vital public service functions.

This internship is an excellent entry point for graduates seeking to build a career in public administration and development. It offers a chance to learn from experienced professionals and understand the operational aspects of a government department. The programme is committed to skills development and empowering young South Africans.

About the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development is a key government entity responsible for land reform, rural development, and land tenure security in South Africa. It plays a critical role in addressing historical land inequalities and promoting sustainable land use. The department works across national, provincial, and regional levels to implement its mandate.

The DLRRD operates within the public sector, focusing on policies and programmes that impact land ownership, agricultural development, and the livelihoods of rural communities. Its work is essential for economic growth and social justice in the country.

Available Internship Fields

The DLRRD is recruiting graduates across a broad spectrum of fields. Applicants should carefully review the available disciplines to find those that match their qualifications and career interests.

Agriculture Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

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

Opportunities are available in provinces including Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Western Cape, and Gauteng.

Animal Production Internships

Opportunities are available for graduates with qualifications in:

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

Posts are available in provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape.

Business and Public Management Internships

Applicants may qualify with studies in:

• Business Management
• Economics
• Public Management
• Related fields

One of the opportunities is based at the Office of the Chief Registrar of Deeds in Pretoria.

Community Development Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

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

Opportunities are available in Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal.

Disaster and Risk Management Internships

Graduates may apply with qualifications in:

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

Opportunities are available in the Free State and Pretoria.

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

Finance internship opportunities are available across provincial offices, Deeds Registries, and national offices.

Property Management Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

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

Opportunities are available across several provinces.

Town, Urban and Regional Planning Internships

Applicants should have a National Diploma or Degree in:

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

Posts are available in Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, Western Cape, and Pretoria.

Geographic Information Systems Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

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

Opportunities are available nationwide.

Building and Civil Engineering Internships

Applicants may qualify with a National Diploma or Degree in:

• Building
• Civil Engineering
• Related engineering disciplines

Positions are available in Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga.

Civil Engineering, Geomatics and Quantity Surveying Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

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

Opportunities are available in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal.

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

Human Resources opportunities are available at national and provincial offices across South Africa.

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

Posts are available across several provinces and Pretoria.

Legal Internships

Applicants may qualify with studies in:

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

Legal opportunities are available across provincial offices and the Office of the Chief Registrar of Deeds.

Communications, Journalism and Marketing Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

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

Posts are available in Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Western Cape, Limpopo, Eastern Cape, and Pretoria.

Language Practice Internship

Applicants may qualify with:

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

The position is based at the National Office in Pretoria.

Information Technology Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

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

IT internship opportunities are available across multiple provinces, Deeds Registries, and the National Office.

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

A large number of these opportunities are available nationwide.

Environmental Management Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

• Environmental Management
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Environmental Planning

Opportunities are available in Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, and Pretoria.

Security Services Internships

Applicants should have a National Diploma or Degree in:

• Security Management
• Policing
• Police Science

Posts are available in Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Western Cape, and Pretoria.

Employee Health and Wellness Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

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

Posts are available in Eastern Cape, Free State, North West, Western Cape, and Pretoria.

Supply Chain Management Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

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

Opportunities are available across provincial offices, Deeds Registries, and national offices.

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

These opportunities are based at the National Office in Pretoria.

Project Management Internships

Relevant fields include:

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

Project Management opportunities are available in Mpumalanga, Western Cape, Limpopo, Eastern Cape, and Pretoria.

Land Reform and Tenure Internships

Opportunities include:

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

Relevant qualifications include Social Sciences, Human Sciences, Law, LLB, Agriculture, and Agricultural Economics.

Surveying, GIS and Remote Sensing Internships

Relevant qualifications include:

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

Some Surveying opportunities require registration with the South African Geomatics Council.

Videography Internship

Applicants should have a National Diploma or Degree in:

• Video Production
• Cinematography
• Film Making
• Related fields

The position is based in Bloemfontein, Free State.

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Internship

Relevant qualifications include:

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

The position is based in Cape Town, Western Cape.

Youth Development Internship

Applicants should have a Diploma or Degree in:

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

The position is based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

What the Internship Offers

Successful interns will gain significant benefits during their 24-month placement. This includes practical, hands-on experience in their chosen fields within a government department. Interns will receive structured training and mentorship from experienced professionals.

The programme offers a monthly stipend, which varies based on the qualification level of the intern. This financial support helps cover living expenses while gaining crucial work experience. Interns will also gain exposure to the public service environment and develop essential professional skills.

Programme Duration and Location

The DLRRD Internship Programme runs for a period of 24 months. Internships are available at various national, provincial, and regional offices across all nine South African provinces. Specific locations will depend on the field of internship applied for.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following general requirements to be considered for an internship:

• Be an unemployed South African graduate.
• Hold the relevant National Diploma, Degree, or equivalent qualification specified for the internship field.
• Meet the specific academic requirements for the internship field being applied for.
• Have Grade 12 where required for certain positions.
• 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 have previously participated in an internship programme in the Public Service will be disqualified.

Competencies Required

Successful candidates will demonstrate a range of skills and personal attributes that align with working in the public service. These include:

• Strong communication skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Interpersonal skills.
• A willingness to learn and adapt.
• The ability to work under pressure.
• A professional attitude and strong work ethic.
• Self-motivation and initiative.
• 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 such as agriculture, finance, IT, law, or public management. It is suited for individuals who are committed to public service and wish to contribute to rural development and land reform initiatives. If you are a recent graduate looking for a structured programme to launch your career, this opportunity is for you.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

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

Shortlisted candidates may be required to provide certified copies of their ID and qualifications. Applicants must clearly indicate the field of study they are applying for on their application.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted in two ways:

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

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 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 and security vetting will apply.
• False or fraudulent qualifications may be reported.
• The 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 their applications reach the relevant office or online portal before this deadline.

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