Introduction
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Internship 2026–2028 Opportunity is now open for applications, giving graduates and diploma holders a valuable chance to gain practical workplace experience in the public sector.
The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, making this programme an important pathway for young South Africans who want to build meaningful careers in environmental management, forestry, communications, administration, information technology, public management, and many other fields.
This internship programme is designed to support unemployed graduates by providing structured exposure to government work environments while helping them strengthen their skills and improve their employability.
With a fixed term of 24 months and an allowance of R7 860.50 per month, successful applicants will benefit from both financial support and professional development.
The opportunities are spread across different provinces and centres including Bisho, Bhisho, Cape Town, Mthatha, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Qwaqwa Nursery, Pretoria – Environment House, Gariea Dam, and Eastern Cape Region.
For graduates looking for a practical start in their profession, this internship programme is one of the most valuable public sector opportunities currently available.
Programme Overview
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Internship 2026–2028 Opportunity is aimed at candidates with qualifications in a wide range of disciplines.
These include:
Forestry
Environmental Science
Biological Science
GIS
Journalism
Public Relations
Marketing
Communications
Public Administration
Financial Management
Information Systems
Information Technology
Computer Science
Social Work
Psychology
Human Resource Management
Occupational Hygiene
Transport Management
Nature Conservation
The programme will run for 24 months, during which interns will be placed in different departmental sections and offices according to their qualifications and the department’s operational needs.
The internship is ideal for graduates who want exposure to:
Government systems
Environmental programmes
Forestry operations
Biodiversity and conservation work
Administration
Stakeholder communication
Data management
Technical support services
Key Details of the Opportunity
Programme Name:
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Internship 2026–2028 Opportunity
Company / Organisation:
National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Location:
Bisho, Bhisho, Ngqeleni Estate, Gomo Forest Estate Office, Keiskammahoek Forest Estate, Cape Town, Bulembu Estate, Port St Johns Forest Estate, Bomvana Forest Estate, Ntsubane Forest Estate Office, Afromontane Forest Estate, Port Elizabeth, Mthatha, Foretrust Building, Eastern Cape Region, Pretoria – Environment House, Bloemfontein, Qwaqwa Nursery, Gariea Dam
Closing Date:
31 March 2026, 16:00
Contract Type:
Internship, Fixed Term: 24 Months
Number of Positions:
Multiple Positions
Industry:
Government, Forestry, Fisheries, Environment, Administration, ICT, Public Service
Target Group:
Unemployed graduates and diploma holders
Allowance:
R7 860.50 per month
Why this Learnerships or Vacancy Matters
This internship matters because it offers much more than temporary work. It provides an entry point into the professional world for graduates who need practical experience to complement their academic qualifications.
In South Africa, one of the biggest barriers for young professionals is the lack of workplace exposure. This programme directly addresses that challenge by placing interns in real work environments where they can contribute, learn, and grow.
Another reason this opportunity matters is the diversity of qualifications accepted.
Whether your background is in:
Forestry
Environmental Management
Communications
IT
Public Administration
Human Resources
Financial Management
Nature Conservation
Social Sciences
Records Management
there may be a placement that matches your studies.
For candidates interested in environmental sustainability, biodiversity protection, forestry operations, conservation, and public service, this internship can also serve as a strong foundation for a long-term career in government or related sectors.
Responsibilities
Although responsibilities will differ depending on the Ref No and placement centre, selected interns can expect to support the department in areas such as:
Assisting with forestry and environmental management activities
Supporting biodiversity and conservation initiatives
Contributing to communication, marketing, media, and public relations tasks
Helping with administrative, office management, and public management duties
Assisting with data management, records management, and reporting
Supporting ICT, software development, database development, analytics, and systems work
Participating in human resource and people performance management activities
Assisting with nursery management, forestry protection, fire protection, and forest management work
Supporting environmental education, occupational hygiene, safety management, and transport management functions
Interns will be expected to work professionally, learn quickly, follow departmental procedures, and contribute meaningfully to the unit where they are placed.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the qualification requirements listed under the relevant reference number.
The programme is open to candidates with qualifications such as:
National Diploma Journalism / Public Relations / Marketing / Communications
National Diploma in Forestry
B-Tech / Advanced Diploma / Degree in Forestry
Bcs Major subjects: Biological Science / Horticulture / Environmental Science
National Diploma / Degree in Public Administration / Administration
National Diploma / Honours Degree / Post-Grad Diploma in Information Systems or Technology
National Diploma in Information Technology / Computer Science
National Diploma / Degree in Human Resource Management
Honours Degree / Post-Grad Diploma in Environmental Sciences
National Diploma in Public Management / Administration / Social Sciences
National Diploma / Degree in Nature Conservation / Environmental Science / Environmental Management
Candidates should carefully check the specific Centre, Ref No, and qualification requirements before applying.
Useful Links
For Attention:
Learning and Development Internship Programme 2026
Closing Date:
31 March 2026 at 16:00
General Eastern Cape Enquiries
Kgomotso Moela – (081) 492 5570
Ms Neliswa Magwala – (066) 081 9858
Mr Sonwabo Ndlela – (066) 081 9862
Inland / Pretoria / Bloemfontein Enquiries
Thulani Ndlela – (012) 399 8907
Innocentia Mokoena – (012) 399 9402
Thandiwe Jim – (012) 399 9415
Application Emails
EC-CMS-26@dffe.gov.za
EC-B&C-26@dffe.gov.za
EC-FOM-26@dffe.gov.za
EC-FIM-26@dffe.gov.za
EC-EP-26@dffe.gov.za
InternshipInland@dffe.gov.za
Comments are closed here.