The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD) is the provincial government department responsible for promoting and supporting agriculture and facilitating rural development within the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The KZN DARD plays a crucial role in the province by providing a policy framework and support services necessary to make agriculture and agri-based enterprises profitable and sustainable.

This internship programme supports the department’s commitment to youth empowerment, professional development, and capacity building within the public sector. Participants will gain practical, on-the-job experience in a wide range of scientific, agricultural, engineering, administrative, and management fields.

Available Internship Fields & Reference Numbers

Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degrees

• Grassland Science – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/19/2025
• Microbiology (Hons) – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/20/2025
• Chemistry (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/21/2025
• Biochemistry (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/21/2025
• Plant Pathology (Hons) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/22/2025
• Entomology – 1 post – Ref: HR5/23/2025
• Biometry/Statistics – 1 post – Ref: HR5/24/2025
• Agriculture: Horticulture – 1 post – Ref: HR5/25/2025
• Agriculture: Pasture Science – 1 post – Ref: HR5/26/2025
• Advanced Diploma/BSc Consumer Science – 1 post – Ref: HR5/27/2025
• Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness – 1 post – Ref: HR5/28/2025

National Diplomas & ND/B-Tech Qualifications

• Animal Health – 3 posts – Ref: HR5/29/2025
• Office Administration / Management Assistance / Business Management – 11 posts – Ref: HR5/30/2025

Agriculture, Engineering & Management Fields

• BSc Agriculture/Civil Engineering (NQF 8) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/1/2025
• BTech/Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering (NQF 7) – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/2/2025
• Advanced Diploma: Agriculture/BTech Agriculture (NQF 7) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/3/2025
• ND/Advanced Diploma: Agriculture (NQF 6) – 4 posts – Ref: HR5/4/2025
• Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management – 1 post – Ref: HR5/5/2025
• ND/Degree in Human Resource Development/Management – 1 post – Ref: HR5/6/2025
• ND/Degree in Labour Relations – 1 post – Ref: HR5/7/2025
• Operations Management/Production Management – 1 post – Ref: HR5/8/2025
• ND/BTech/BCom: Financial Management/Accounting – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/9/2025
• Risk Management/Internal Control – 1 post – Ref: HR5/10/2025
• ND/Diploma/BTech: Supply Chain Management – 3 posts – Ref: HR5/11/2025
• ND/Degree Postgraduate/Honours: Public Policy – 1 post – Ref: HR5/12/2025
• ND/Diploma/Degree: Information Technology – 2 posts – Ref: HR5/13/2025
• ND/BTech: Public Relations/Media/Journalism – 1 post – Ref: HR5/14/2025

Science & Agriculture Specialisations

• BSc Agriculture (Soil Science) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/15/2025
• BSc GIS (Technologist) – 1 post – Ref: HR5/16/2025
• BSc Agrometeorology & Hydrology – 1 post – Ref: HR5/17/2025

Minimum Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen residing in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Be unemployed and apply for the first time to a Public Service internship.
• Hold a completed National Diploma, Degree, Honours, or Postgraduate qualification in the relevant field.
• Submit all required supporting documents.
• Meet the specific qualification requirements per reference number.

Preference will be given to:

• Previously disadvantaged groups
• Persons living with disabilities
• Applicants from specified areas (as indicated in the advert)

Former interns may not apply.

How to Apply

Step 1: Download the Z83 Application Form

Get the official Z83 form from www.dpsa.gov.za.

Step 2: Prepare Certified Supporting Documents

Attach the following to your completed form:

• Application letter (quote reference number)
• Certified copy of Matric certificate
• Certified copies of academic qualifications and statement of results
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copy of ID
• Affidavit confirming residential address

Step 3: Submit Your Application

📬 Postal Address:
The Director: Human Resource Development
Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Private Bag X9059
Pietermaritzburg
3200

Hand Delivery – Cedara Offices:
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
R103, Cedara Road
Reception Area, Ground Floor, Main Building

📍Hand Delivery – South Service Centre:
4 Pin Oak Avenue
Hilton
3245

📍North Service Centre – Richards Bay:
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Lot 11634, Corner of Verbena and Aloe Loop Street
Velden Vlei, Richards Bay

Important Notes

• Use the correct reference number for the position you are applying for.
• Applications must be posted or hand-delivered — no emails or faxes will be accepted.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• If you do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.