The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is inviting unemployed graduates to apply for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Youth Graduate Project (YGP) 2026/2027. The programme offers 20 graduate opportunities for young South Africans residing within the Lejweleputswa District Municipality.
Successful candidates will be placed in environmental-related roles for 8 months, earning a daily rate of R271.04 while gaining practical workplace experience in environmental and waste management.
Application Closing Date: Friday, 14 August 2026 at 16:00
Programme Location: Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Free State
DFFE EPWP Youth Graduate Project (YGP) 2026/2027 Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Youth Graduate Project (YGP) 2026/2027 |
| Employer | Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) |
| Programme | Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) |
| Number of Posts | 20 |
| Contract Duration | 8 Months |
| Work Schedule | Five Days Per Week |
| Daily Rate | R271.04 per day |
| Location | Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Free State |
| Closing Date | 14 August 2026 at 16:00 |
About the Programme
The Youth Graduate Project (YGP) forms part of the Environmental Programmes Branch under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The initiative is designed to provide unemployed environmental graduates with valuable workplace experience while supporting environmental management projects within local government.
Participants will gain practical exposure that can strengthen their CVs and improve future employment prospects in the environmental sector.
About the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is responsible for promoting environmental sustainability, protecting South Africa’s natural resources, and supporting sustainable development.
Through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), the department creates temporary employment opportunities that combine meaningful work experience with skills development.
Environmental Programmes supported through EPWP often focus on:
- Environmental conservation
- Sustainable development
- Waste management
- Community environmental awareness
- Green economy initiatives
- Natural resource protection
Placement Areas
Successful graduates may be placed in the following fields:
Environmental Management
Participants may gain practical exposure to environmental planning, awareness campaigns, and environmental service delivery.
Waste Management
Graduates may assist with projects that support waste management, recycling initiatives, environmental compliance, and community education.
The official advert does not provide a detailed breakdown of daily responsibilities, and duties may vary depending on operational requirements.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African youth.
- Be unemployed graduates.
- Reside within the Lejweleputswa District Municipality.
- Hold a qualification relevant to the environmental sector.
Relevant qualifications include:
- BSc Natural Sciences
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Health
- Any other relevant environmental qualification
Please Note: The official advert does not specify a minimum age, minimum academic average, previous work experience, driver’s licence, or computer literacy requirements.
Programme Duration
Successful applicants will be appointed for:
- 8 Months
Participants will work:
- Five days per week
The official commencement date will be communicated to successful applicants.
Fresh listings:
Daily Rate
Successful participants will receive:
- R271.04 per day
The official advertisement does not mention additional benefits such as:
- Accommodation
- Transport allowance
- Medical aid
- Relocation assistance
Applicants should therefore budget based on the advertised daily rate.
Participation Targets
The programme aims to promote inclusive participation with the following targets:
- 100% Youth Participation
- 60% Women Participation
- 2% Persons Living with Disabilities
Meeting these targets does not automatically guarantee selection. All applicants must still satisfy the advertised eligibility requirements.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Updated comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Proof of residence confirming residence within the Lejweleputswa District Municipality
Before submitting your application, ensure that:
- Certified copies are valid.
- Your proof of residence clearly reflects your municipal address.
- Your contact details are up to date.
How to Apply
Applications must be hand-delivered.
Place your application in a sealed envelope clearly marked:
“Youth Graduate Project (YGP) 2026/2027 Application”
Deliver your application to:
Lejweleputswa District Municipality
Corner Jan Hofmeyr and Tempest Road
Welkom
9459
Applications Will NOT Be Accepted Via
- Fax
- Late submissions
Only hand-delivered applications received before the closing date will be considered.
Application Closing Date
Closing Date: Friday, 14 August 2026 at 16:00
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid missing this opportunity.
Why Apply?
Participating in the DFFE EPWP Youth Graduate Project offers several benefits, including:
- Practical workplace experience in the environmental sector
- Exposure to local government environmental programmes
- Skills development in environmental and waste management
- Improved employability
- Professional networking opportunities
- A stronger CV for future government and private sector positions
Conclusion
The DFFE EPWP Youth Graduate Project (YGP) 2026/2027 provides an excellent opportunity for unemployed environmental graduates living within the Lejweleputswa District Municipality to gain valuable work experience while earning R271.04 per day over an 8-month contract. If you have a qualification in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Health, Natural Sciences, or a related field, this programme can help you build practical skills and improve your career prospects in the environmental sector. Ensure you prepare all the required documents and submit your hand-delivered application before 14 August 2026 at 16:00.