Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is inviting applications from unemployed young people in Mpumalanga for its 2026 Learnership Programme. The opportunity provides practical workplace experience alongside structured theoretical learning in the tourism and conservation sectors.
A total of 42 learnership positions are available across two programmes: Nature Conservation: Resource Guardianship NQF Level 2 and FETC Tourism Guiding NQF Level 2. Successful learners will receive a monthly stipend of R3,500 for the 12-month programme.
MTPA Learnership Programme 2026/27 Overview
- Organisation: Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA)
- Opportunity: Unemployed Learnership Programme
- Intake: 2026
- Total opportunities: 42
- Province: Mpumalanga
- Duration: 12 months
- Monthly stipend: R3,500
- Minimum education: Grade 12
- Age: 18–35 years
- Employment status: Unemployed
- Study status: Must not be studying at a tertiary institution
- Programmes: Nature Conservation and Tourism Guiding
- Qualification: NQF Level 2
- Closing date: 28 August 2026 at 16:00
- Application method: Physical submission
- Email applications: Not accepted
About the MTPA Learnership
The programme is aimed at young people who want to build careers in tourism, nature conservation, environmental protection and related outdoor occupations.
The 12-month programme combines practical training, theory, structured workplace experience and structured learning. The learning is delivered through an accredited training provider and leads to a SAQA-accredited qualification. Successful learners will receive a certificate accredited by CATHSSETA.
Programme 1: Nature Conservation Learnership
The National Certificate in Nature Conservation – Resource Guardianship NQF Level 2 programme has 21 positions available.
Learners will be allocated to nature reserves based on their area of residence. The advertised locations include:
- Bushbuckridge Nature Reserve
- Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
- Verloren Valei Nature Reserve
- Songimvelo Nature Reserve
- Barberton Nature Reserve
- Mahushe Shongwe Nature Reserve
- Mthethomusha Nature Reserve
- Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve
- Mdala Nature Reserve
- Loskop Dam Nature Reserve
- Mkhombo Nature Reserve
- Mabusa Nature Reserve
- SS Skosana Nature Reserve
- Manyeleti Nature Reserve
- Andover Nature Reserve
- Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve
The programme lasts 12 months, with a stipend of R3,500 per month. It is particularly suited to applicants interested in outdoor and practical work.
Programme 2: Tourism Guiding Learnership
A further 21 opportunities are available through the Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC): Tourism Guiding NQF Level 2 programme.
The advertised placements include:
- Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve – 7
- Songimvelo Nature Reserve – 2
- Barberton Nature Reserve – 2
- Loskop Dam Nature Reserve – 2
- Manyeleti Nature Reserve – 4
- Andover Nature Reserve – 2
- Dr Esther Mahlangu and Kgodwana Cultural Village – 2
This 12-month programme also offers a R3,500 monthly stipend and may suit young people interested in tourism, visitor experiences and cultural attractions.
Who Can Apply?
According to the supplied MTPA advertisement, applicants must:
- Be unemployed South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Have Grade 12.
- Reside in Mpumalanga Province.
- Be interested in outdoor and practical work.
- Not be studying at a tertiary institution.
- Not be registered for or have previously participated in another learnership.
- Provide valid proof of residence.
- Submit a CV and copy of their ID.
People with disabilities are specifically encouraged to apply.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Application letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Grade 12 certificate
- Valid proof of residence
- Copy of ID
The application letter should clearly state which programme the applicant is applying for — either Nature Conservation: Resource Guardianship NQF Level 2 or FETC Tourism Guiding NQF Level 2.
How to Apply
Applications must not be submitted by email.
Applicants should submit their documents to the nearest MTPA station or nature reserve. Alternatively, applications can be hand delivered to:
MTPA Head Office
N4 National Road
Hall’s Gateway
Mataffin
Security Gate
Important Application Deadline
Closing date: 28 August 2026 at 16:00.
The advertisement specifically states that late and emailed applications will not be considered. Applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their applications before the final day to avoid problems with transport, queues or other delays.
Important Points for Applicants
Applicants should carefully check their documents before submission. Common mistakes to avoid include:
- Leaving out the Grade 12 certificate.
- Forgetting the ID copy.
- Failing to provide proof of residence.
- Not indicating the selected learnership programme.
- Attempting to apply by email.
- Applying after the deadline.
- Providing an inactive telephone number.
Applicants should also understand that participation in the programme does not guarantee permanent employment with MTPA after completion.
What Happens After Applying?
MTPA states that correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. Applicants who have not heard from the agency within three months after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
For enquiries, the advertisement lists Ms Bridget Mondlane, Ms Funeka Nkosi and Ms Nqobile Ngomane. The listed telephone numbers are 013 065 0686 / 013 065 0677.
Final Thoughts
The MTPA Learnership Programme 2026/27 offers unemployed young people in Mpumalanga an opportunity to gain practical experience and work toward an accredited qualification in either nature conservation or tourism guiding.
With 42 positions, a R3,500 monthly stipend, and a 12-month combination of theory and workplace experience, the programme may be particularly valuable for Grade 12 graduates seeking an entry point into South Africa’s tourism and conservation sectors.
Eligible applicants should prepare their documents early and follow the physical submission instructions carefully. Do not email the application.
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