DFFE EPWP Project Support Opportunities 2026: Youth & Contractor Development Programme Now Open Across South Africa

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has officially opened applications for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Project Support opportunities for 2026. These opportunities are aimed at helping unemployed South African youth gain valuable work experience through a one-year fixed-term contract focused on Youth and Contractor Development.

For many young graduates struggling to enter the job market because of a lack of experience, this programme could become an important stepping stone into government administration, project coordination, training support, and development work. The programme also provides practical exposure to EPWP operations and government development processes while offering a monthly stipend of R8 800.

South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis continues to place pressure on graduates and job seekers. Programmes like this are designed to bridge the gap between qualifications and workplace experience. If you recently completed a National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree and are looking for government work experience opportunities, this opportunity deserves serious attention.

Quick Overview

Provinces and Centres Available

The opportunities are available across multiple provinces in South Africa. Applicants must clearly indicate the province, city/town, and reference number in their signed application letter.

Available Centres and Reference Numbers

Monthly Stipend

Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend of R8 800.

However, applicants should note that:

• No accommodation is provided
• Transport costs are the responsibility of the candidate
• Payment is based on actual days worked
• Statutory deductions such as UIF and PAYE may apply

This is important because many young applicants assume EPWP programmes function like permanent jobs with benefits. This programme is a temporary work opportunity intended mainly for skills development and workplace exposure.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for the programme, applicants must have:

• A recognised three-year Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma
• Qualification in a related field linked to training or development
• Zero to two years of relevant experience preferred
• Basic understanding of data management and reporting
• Basic understanding of EPWP and government structures
• Organising and coordination skills
• Stakeholder management and facilitation skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Computer literacy including Microsoft Office packages
• Willingness to travel and work under pressure when required

Candidates with exposure to project coordination, youth development, administration, training support, or government programmes may have an advantage during the shortlisting process.

What Will Successful Candidates Do?

The programme includes a variety of administrative and project support responsibilities. According to the official advert, successful candidates will assist with:

• Supporting youth empowerment and development projects
• Assisting with project planning and implementation
• Evaluating monthly project reports
• Supporting invoice evaluations and payment processes
• Uploading training information onto systems
• Monitoring compliance during project implementation
• Conducting site visits and compiling reports
• Filing project documentation
• Capturing project data
• Supporting completion report evaluations
• Assisting with Directorate administration duties

This means the programme is not simply office administration work. Participants may gain real exposure to project coordination, government reporting systems, training administration, and field monitoring.

Why This Opportunity is Important for South African Youth

One of the biggest barriers facing young South Africans is the “experience requirement” found in many job adverts. Graduates often complete their qualifications but struggle to enter the workforce because employers demand prior work experience.

Programmes like this help solve that problem by offering structured workplace exposure in a government environment.

Some of the benefits of joining programmes like this include:

• Building practical workplace experience
• Improving your CV
• Learning government systems and reporting structures
• Developing communication and coordination skills
• Expanding professional networks
• Increasing future employability

Even though the contract is temporary, the experience gained can become valuable for future applications in government departments, municipalities, NGOs, and private companies.

Important Application Instructions

Applicants must follow the instructions carefully. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Applicants Must Submit

• A signed application letter
• A recent detailed CV
• Correct reference number clearly stated
• Separate applications for multiple opportunities

Email Applications

Applications may be emailed to: EPS07-EPWP2026@dffe.gov.za

The subject line of the email must include the correct reference number.

Example: EPS23GP/2026

Postal Application Address

Applications can also be posted to:

The Director-General
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Private Bag X447
Pretoria
0001

Hand Delivery Address

Environment House
Erf 1563 Arcadia Extension 6
Corner Soutpansberg and Steve Biko Road
Arcadia
Pretoria

Applications hand-delivered for Group 01 to Group 11 must be placed in a box marked:

“EPWP PROJECT SUPPORT Group 01 to Group 11”

Skhumbuzo Shandu

Skhumbuzo Shandu is the founder of Careers With Shandu, a platform dedicated to helping South Africans access job opportunities, learnerships, and career development resources.
He focuses on sharing clear, practical, and up-to-date information to help matriculants, graduates, and job seekers navigate applications and build their careers.
Through his work, he aims to make opportunities easier to understand and accessible to everyone, especially young people entering the workforce.