Young people living within Collins Chabane Local Municipality in Limpopo have an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience through two youth development programmes advertised in September 2026.
The opportunities include a 320-participant Youth Graduate Programme, offered by Collins Chabane Local Municipality in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), as well as a 60-participant Plant Production Learnership funded by LGSETA. Together, the programmes provide 380 opportunities for qualifying local youth.
Applicants should pay close attention to the deadlines because the two programmes have different closing dates. The Plant Production Learnership closes on 8 September 2026, while the Youth Graduate Programme closes on 10 September 2026.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Participants | Minimum Qualification | Duration | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Graduate Programme – Environmental | 54 | M+3 environmental-related qualification | 6 months | 10 September 2026 |
| Youth Graduate Programme – Various Fields | 266 | M+3 relevant qualification | 6 months | 10 September 2026 |
| Plant Production Learnership | 60 | Grade 12 | 12 months | 8 September 2026 |
| Total | 380 | Varies | 6–12 months | Varies |
All placements are within Collins Chabane Local Municipality.
Collins Chabane Youth Graduate Programme 2026 – 320 Opportunities
Collins Chabane Local Municipality, working in partnership with DFFE, is offering a Youth Empowerment and Development Programme designed to help address youth unemployment.
The programme is implemented under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and is intended to give unemployed graduates practical workplace experience. It is not permanent employment; instead, participants receive an opportunity to develop relevant workplace skills and experience that can strengthen their future employment prospects.
Environmental Graduate Programme – 54 Participants
A total of 54 opportunities are available for applicants with environmental-related qualifications.
Applicants require:
- M+3 Environmental Science
- Environmental Health
- An equivalent environmental-related qualification
The advertisement uses the term M+3 for the required qualification. Applicants should compare their qualifications carefully with the wording of the advertisement when determining eligibility.
Youth Graduate Programme – 266 Participants
A further 266 graduate opportunities are available under a broader stream.
Preference will be given to environmental-related qualifications, while consideration will also be given to applicants with qualifications in:
- Environmental Science or Environmental Health
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
- Safety Management
- Horticulture
- Geology
- Administration-related fields
This stream therefore covers a wider range of academic backgrounds than the 54-position environmental stream.
Graduate Programme Stipend
According to the advertisement, graduates with M+3 qualifications will receive a daily stipend of R271.04.
The advertisement further states that SHE Representatives and First Aiders will receive a daily stipend of R350 from DFFE.
These amounts are daily stipends rather than fixed monthly salaries. The total amount received in a particular month may therefore depend on the applicable working days and payment arrangements.
Duration of the Graduate Programme
The Youth Graduate Programme runs for six months.
Applicants should understand that participation does not constitute an offer of permanent employment. The main purpose of the programme is to provide graduates with relevant practical workplace experience.
Collins Chabane LGSETA Plant Production Learnership 2026 – 60 Opportunities
Collins Chabane Local Municipality is also offering a 12-month Plant Production Learnership funded by LGSETA.
This opportunity may be particularly suitable for unemployed young people who have completed Grade 12 but do not necessarily have a university or TVET qualification.
The learnership combines theoretical learning with practical workplace experience and is designed to help participants develop skills relevant to employment in plant production and related areas.
Plant Production Learnership Details
- Qualification: National Certificate: Plant Production
- NQF Level: 4
- SAQA ID: 49009
- Area of Speciality: Plant Production
- Number of Participants: 60
- Duration: 12 months
- Placement: Collins Chabane Local Municipality
- Closing Date: 8 September 2026
Who Can Apply for the Plant Production Learnership?
According to the advertisement, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be permanent residents of Collins Chabane Local Municipality
- Have Grade 12
- Have no previous working experience
- Not have previously participated in a learnership programme
- Be 35 years old or younger
The residency requirement is particularly important because this opportunity is specifically aimed at young people living within Collins Chabane Local Municipality.
Who Can Apply for the Graduate Programme?
Applicants for the 320 graduate opportunities must meet the youth and residency requirements specified in the advertisement.
They must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be permanent residents of Collins Chabane Local Municipality
- Be no older than 35
- Have no previous working experience
- Not have previously participated in an internship programme
- Hold the relevant qualification for the graduate stream being applied for
Applicants should carefully match their qualification to the specific graduate stream. The first 54 positions are focused on environmental-related qualifications, while the 266-position stream covers a broader range of fields.
About LGSETA
The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) supports skills development within South Africa’s local government sector.
The Collins Chabane Plant Production Learnership demonstrates how municipalities and skills-development structures can provide unemployed young people with opportunities to combine structured learning and workplace exposure.
Applicants interested in local government careers can also explore other LGSETA-related learning and workplace development pathways. However, these broader programmes do not replace the specific application process for the Collins Chabane opportunities.
How to Apply
Applications for these opportunities must be hand delivered.
Applicants should clearly state their discipline or area of specialisation in the application letter.
The application should include:
- Application letter
- Updated CV
- Certified copies of required qualifications
- Proof of residence
- Certified copy of South African ID
Candidates should check their documents carefully before submitting their applications to ensure that all required information is included.
Where to Submit Applications
Applications can be hand delivered to:
The Municipal Manager
Office No. 22
Malamulele DCO
Applications may also be submitted at the following Municipal Satellite Offices:
- Vuwani Sub Office
- Hlanganani Community Hall
- Saselamani Stadium
The advertisement states that faxed and emailed applications will not be accepted.
Closing Dates
Applicants must make sure they apply for the correct programme before its specific deadline.
Plant Production Learnership:
8 September 2026
Youth Graduate Programme:
10 September 2026
Because applications must be hand delivered, candidates should prepare their certified documents and proof of residence in advance rather than waiting until the final day.
What Happens After Applying?
Appointment to either programme is subject to the applicable selection and verification processes.
These include:
- Security clearance
- Verification of qualifications
- Signing the applicable learnership or programme contract
Only shortlisted or selected candidates will be contacted.
According to the advertisements, applicants who have not received communication from the municipality within three weeks after the relevant closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful. The municipality also states that preference will be given to applicants from designated groups and that people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
For enquiries, applicants may contact Makhasa V.E. on 015 851 0110.
Which Opportunity Should You Apply For?
The most suitable programme depends on your qualifications and background.
If you have Grade 12 but no tertiary qualification, the 60-position Plant Production Learnership may be the relevant option, provided you satisfy the other eligibility requirements.
Applicants with an M+3 Environmental Science, Environmental Health or equivalent environmental-related qualification should consider the 54-position environmental graduate stream.
Graduates with qualifications in Environmental Science/Health, OHS, Safety Management, Horticulture, Geology or Administration-related fields should consider the broader 266-participant graduate stream.
Candidates should not apply solely because of the large number of available opportunities. Instead, they should carefully match their qualification and circumstances with the requirements of the specific programme.
Why Consider These Opportunities?
The two Collins Chabane programmes provide a combined 380 opportunities for local youth.
For unemployed young people, gaining workplace experience can be an important step towards future employment. The graduate programme provides six months of practical exposure, while the Plant Production Learnership provides a longer 12-month combination of theoretical and workplace learning.
The programmes are particularly relevant to young residents of Collins Chabane who meet the qualification, age, residency and experience requirements.
Final Thought
The Collins Chabane Youth Graduate Programme and Plant Production Learnership 2026 provide 380 opportunities for eligible young people in the municipality.
The 320 graduate opportunities are aimed at candidates with relevant M+3 qualifications, while the 60-position Plant Production Learnership is available to qualifying Grade 12 applicants.
Eligible candidates should prepare their application letters, CVs, certified documents and proof of residence early and submit their applications by hand before the applicable deadline.
Remember that the Plant Production Learnership closes on 8 September 2026, while the Youth Graduate Programme closes on 10 September 2026.
