Tourism Graduate Development Programme (TGDP) 2026 – 24 Month Programme

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) invites unemployed graduates and students to apply for the Tourism Graduate Development Programme. This programme aims to provide participants with valuable workplace experience and work-integrated learning in the tourism, hospitality, and ecotourism sectors.

Successful applicants will participate in a structured training programme designed to improve practical skills and increase opportunities for future employment. Participants will be placed at various municipalities, tourism offices, and tourism-related organisations across KwaZulu-Natal.

• Position: Tourism Graduate Development Programme
• Duration: Twenty-four (24) months
• Stipend: Monthly stipend will be paid to successful participants
• Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Closing Date: 25 March 2026

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) is implementing the Tourism Graduate Development Programme as part of its contribution to skills development initiatives as expressed in the NSDS III, NGP, PGDS, and NDP Vision 2030 objectives by inviting unemployed graduates and students to participate in the programme that will provide them with valuable work experience, work integrated learning, and increase their opportunities towards employment.

The programme offered is fully structured and the Department will pay successful participants a monthly stipend.

Applications are invited from interested applicants in possession of a relevant three (3) year Degree, National Diploma, N6 or above from a recognised University, College, TVET College or University of Technology, to undertake workplace training that shall run for the period of twenty-four (24) months in the Tourism, Hospitality, and Ecotourism field/areas.

Applications are invited from candidates to be placed in the following areas

Amajuba District Municipality

• Emadlangeni Municipality
• Newcastle Municipality
• Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife – Chelmsford

Reference Numbers:

• TGDP/2026/AMAJ
• TGDP/2026/EMAD
• TGDP/2026/NEW
• TGDP/2026/CHELM

Type of Qualification:

• Tourism / Ecotourism Management
• Hospitality / Ecotourism

Placements:

• 01
• 02
• 01
• 01

eThekwini Metro

• Msinsi Holdings – Nagle Dam
• Ushaka Marine World

Reference Numbers:

• TGDP/2026/METRO
• TGDP/2026/NAG
• TGDP/2026/USHAKA

Type of Qualification:

• Tourism / Ecotourism Management
• Hospitality / Ecotourism
• Tourism / Ecotourism Management

Placements:

• 04
• 01
• 03

Harry Gwala District Municipality

• Harry Gwala Development Agency
• Greater Kokstad Municipality
• Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Municipality
• Johannes Phumani Phungula Municipality
• uMzimkhulu Municipality
• Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife – Lotheni

Reference Numbers:

• TGDP/2026/HGDA
• TGDP/2026/GKLM
• TGDP/2026/NDZ
• TGDP/2026/JPPM
• TGDP/2026/UMZIM
• TGDP/2026/LOTH

Type of Qualification:

• Tourism / Ecotourism Management
• Hospitality / Ecotourism

Placements:

• 01 each

iLembe District Municipality

• iLembe Enterprise
• KwaDukuza Municipality
• Mandeni Municipality
• Maphumulo Municipality
• Ndwedwe Municipality
• Msinsi Holdings – Hazelmere Dam

Reference Numbers:

• TGDP/2026/ILEM
• TGDP/2026/KWAD
• TGDP/2026/MAND
• TGDP/2026/MAPH
• TGDP/2026/NDWE
• TGDP/2026/HAZE

Type of Qualification:

• Tourism / Ecotourism Management
• Hospitality / Ecotourism

Placements:

• 01 each

King Cetshwayo District Municipality

• uMhlathuze Municipality
• Mthonjaneni Municipality
• Nkandla Municipality
• uMfolozi Municipality
• uMlalazi Municipality

Reference Numbers:

• TGDP/2026/KCDM
• TGDP/2026/UMHL
• TGDP/2026/MTHO
• TGDP/2026/NKAN
• TGDP/2026/UMFO
• TGDP/2026/UMLA

Type of Qualification:

• Tourism / Ecotourism Management

Placements:

• 01 each

Ugu District Municipality

• South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise
• uMuziwabantu Municipality
• Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife – Oribi Gorge

Reference Numbers:

• TGDP/2026/SCTIE
• TGDP/2026/UMUZ
• TGDP/2026/ORIBI

Type of Qualification:

• Tourism / Ecotourism Management
• Hospitality / Ecotourism

Placements:

• 03
• 01
• 02

uMgungundlovu District Municipality

• Impendle Municipality
• Mkhambathini Municipality
• Mpofana Municipality
• Richmond Municipality
• uMshwathi Municipality

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife:

• Wagendrift
• Midmar
• QEP – Central Reservations
• Rhino Club
• Travel Trade

Msinsi Holdings:

• Albert Falls
• Bon Accord

Reference Numbers:

• TGDP/2026/IMPE
• TGDP/2026/MKHA
• TGDP/2026/MPOF
• TGDP/2026/RICH
• TGDP/2026/UMSH
• TGDP/2026/WAGE
• TGDP/2026/MIDM
• TGDP/2026/QEP
• TGDP/2026/RHIN
• TGDP/2026/TRAV
• TGDP/2026/ALBE
• TGDP/2026/BONA

Type of Qualification:

• Tourism / Ecotourism Management
• Hospitality / Ecotourism

Placements:

• 01 each

uMkhanyakude District Municipality

• Umhlosinga Development Agency
• Big 5 Hlabisa Municipality
• Mtubatuba Municipality
• uMhlabuyalingana Municipality

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife:

• Hilltop
• Mpila Camp

Reference Numbers:

• TGDP/2026/UMDA
• TGDP/2026/BIG5
• TGDP/2026/MTUB
• TGDP/2026/BUYA
• TGDP/2026/HILL
• TGDP/2026/MPIL

Type of Qualification:

• Tourism / Ecotourism Management
• Hospitality / Ecotourism

Placements:

• 01 each

uMzinyathi District Municipality

• Endumeni Municipality
• Nquthu Municipality
• uMvoti Municipality

Reference Numbers:

• TGDP/2026/UMZIN
• TGDP/2026/ENDUM
• TGDP/2026/NQUT
• TGDP/2026/UMVOT

Type of Qualification:

• Tourism / Ecotourism Management

Placements:

• 01 each

uThukela District Municipality

• uThukela Economic Development Agency
• Alfred Duma Municipality
• Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality
• Okhahlamba Municipality

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife:

• Didima
• Giants Castle
• Royal Natal – Mahai
• Royal Natal – Thendele

Reference Numbers:

• TGDP/2026/UTHUK
• TGDP/2026/UEDA
• TGDP/2026/ADLM
• TGDP/2026/ILLM
• TGDP/2026/OKHA
• TGDP/2026/DID
• TGDP/2026/GIAN
• TGDP/2026/MAHAI
• TGDP/2026/THEN

Type of Qualification:

• Tourism / Ecotourism Management
• Hospitality / Ecotourism

Placements:

• 01 each

Zululand District Municipality

• eDumbe Municipality
• Nongoma Municipality
• Ulundi Municipality
• uPhongolo Municipality

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife:

• Ntshondwe

Reference Numbers:

• TGDP/2026/ZDM
• TGDP/2026/EDUM
• TGDP/2026/NONG
• TGDP/2026/ULUN
• TGDP/2026/UPHON
• TGDP/2026/NTSHO

Type of Qualification:

• Tourism / Ecotourism Management
• Hospitality / Ecotourism

Placements:

• 01 each

Total Placements

• Internship: 62
• In-Service Training: 20

NOTE

Graduates/Students must be willing to work shifts, weekends and public holidays as dictated by the Municipalities, Tourism Offices, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and Msinsi Holdings.

Graduates and students are encouraged to ONLY apply to host employers within their residential areas.

DIRECTION TO APPLICANTS WHO ARE INTERESTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAMME

1. The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act, 1998. The Department reserves the right not to make these appointments.

2. All information submitted will be treated as confidential. The Department reserves the right to withhold the filling of the abovementioned posts at any time before an appointment.

3. Applications must be submitted on the Tourism Graduate Development Programme – Application Form (NOT Z83). This form is obtainable from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs – Tourism Offices at 217 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg and can be downloaded from the Departmental website: www.kznedtea.gov.za.

The forms may also be obtainable from the participating Host Employers listed above.

Failure to complete or disclose all information will automatically disqualify the applicant.

The completed application and signed form must be accompanied by an updated Curriculum Vitae.

4. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents on or before the day of the interview following communication from the Department.

Should an applicant have a foreign qualification, it must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the SAQA.

REQUIREMENTS FOR UNEMPLOYED TOURISM & HOSPITALITY GRADUATES WHO REQUIRE AN INTERNSHIP

State the area and reference number which the candidate is applying for (from the above list).

The form should be accompanied by:

• Copy of Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of Matric Certificate
• Copy of a three-year Degree/Diploma in Tourism Management, Travel & Tourism, Hospitality Management, Ecotourism Management or an appropriate equivalent Tourism & Hospitality qualification
• Academic transcript records
• Copy of Identity Document
• Proof of residential address obtained from the local municipality (ward councillor) or traditional authority

Please note that no affidavits will be accepted as proof of residence.

Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to an interview nearest to their areas of residence.

The successful candidates will be required to sign an internship contract for the duration of the placement.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CURRENT TOURISM & HOSPITALITY STUDENTS WHO REQUIRE IN-SERVICE TRAINING

State the area and reference number which the candidate is applying for (from the above list).

The form should be accompanied by:

• Copy of Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of Matric Certificate
• Copy of Identity Document
• Copy of a three-year academic transcript towards a Degree/Diploma in Tourism Management, Travel & Tourism, Eco-Tourism & Hospitality Management
• Letter from institution requesting in-service training
• Proof of residential address obtained from the local municipality (ward councillor) or traditional authority

Please note that no affidavits will be accepted as proof of residence.

Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to an interview nearest to their areas of residence.

The successful candidates will be required to sign an internship contract for the duration of the placement.

7. Note: Certified copies of Identity Document, Grade 12 Certificate and the highest required qualifications, as well as a driver’s licence where necessary, will only be submitted by shortlisted candidates on or before the day of the interview date.

Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you have not been contacted within three months of the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

8. Applicants are encouraged to submit their Tourism Graduate Development Programme – Application Form and CV directly to the Host Employer Offices, EDTEA District Offices, or the provided email address.

TOURISM GRADUATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

HOST EMPLOYER OFFICES

Amajuba District Municipality
Unit B9356 Amajuba Building, Section 1 Madadeni

Emadlangeni Municipality
34 Voor Street, Utrecht, 2980

Newcastle Municipality
37 Murchison Street, Newcastle

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Chelmsford – 1 Peter Brown Dr, Town Bush Valley, Pietermaritzburg, 3202

eThekwini Metro – Durban Tourism
North Beach Tourism Office, 2 KE Masinga Road, North Beach, Durban

Msinsi Holdings
Nagle Dam – Lot 183 Cato Ridge Rural, 3681

Ushaka Marine World
1 King Shaka Avenue, Point, Durban, 4001

Harry Gwala Development Agency
Harry Farm Market ERF 2226, Portion 27 Ellernton Farm Ixopo, 3276

Greater Kokstad Municipality
75 Hope Street Adam Kokstad Building

Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Municipality
Main Street Creighton, 3263

Johannes Phumani Phungula Municipality
29 Margaret Street Ixopo, 327

uMzimkhulu Municipality
169 Mzimkhulu Mlonyana Street Umzimkulu 3297

iLembe District Municipality
45/47 Mahatma Gandhi Street, KwaDukuza 4450

iLembe Enterprise
Corner Ballito Drive & Link Road, Ballito

KwaDukuza Municipality
14 Chief Albert Luthuli Street, KwaDukuza

Mandeni Municipality
2 Kingfisher Road, Mandeni

Maphumulo Municipality
Main Road P11 Maphumulo W470

Ndwedwe Municipality
Lot 47 P100 Road, Ndwedwe

Msinsi Holdings
Hazelmere Dam

King Cetshwayo District Municipality
Kruger Rand Street, CBD Richards Bay

uMhlathuze Municipality
5 Mark Strasse Civic Centre

Mthonjaneni Municipality
21 Reinhold Street

Nkandla Municipality
Lot 292, Maree Road, Nkandla

uMfolozi Municipality
25 Bredelia Street, KwaMbonambi

uMlalazi Municipality
Hutchinson Street, Eshowe

uMgungundlovu District Municipality
242 Langalibalele Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201

Impendle Municipality
21 Mafahleni Street, Impendle, 3227

Mkhambathini Municipality
18 Old Main Road, Camperdown, 3720

Mpofana Municipality
10 Claughto Terrace, Mooi River, 3300

Richmond Municipality
57 Shepstone Street, Richmond 3780

uMshwathi Municipality
Umshwathi Main Road, New Handover

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Wagendrift
Midmar
Lotheni
QEP – Central Reservations
Rhino Club
Travel Trade

Msinsi Holdings
Albert Falls
Bon Accord

uMkhanyakude District Municipality
Stand 13433 Kingfisher Rd, Shemula Gata, 3965

Umhlosinga Development Agency
Lot 308 Ebony Crescent, Mtubatuba, 3935

Big 5 Hlabisa Municipality
Lot 808, Off Masson Street, Hlabisa

Mtubatuba Municipality
243 Dlamini Road, Mtubatuba, 3935

uMhlabuyalingana Municipality
R22 Main Road, 01 Manguzi

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Hilltop
Mpila Camp

uMzinyathi District Municipality
39 Victoria Street Dundee 3000

Endumeni Municipality
64 Victoria, Dundee, 3000

Nquthu Municipality
83 Mdlalose Street, Nquthu

uMvoti Municipality
41 Bell Street Greytown, 3260

uThukela District Municipality
36 Lyel Street / 33 Forbes Street, uMnambithi

uThukela Economic Development Agency
Heron House, 131 Murchison Street, Ladysmith, 3370

Alfred Duma Municipality
221 Murchison Street, Lister Building uMnambithi

Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality
Civic Building, 1 Victoria Street, Estcourt

Okhahlamba Municipality
259 Kingsway Street, Bergville, 3350

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Didima
Giants Castle
Royal Natal – Mahai
Royal Natal – Thendele

Zululand District Municipality
Ngangane Street, uLundi 3838

eDumbe Municipality
10 Hoog Street, Paulpietsburg, 3180

Nongoma Municipality
Lot 103, Main Street, Nongoma

Ulundi Municipality
Prince Magogo Street, uLundi, 3838

uPhongolo Municipality
61 Martin, Pongola, 3170

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Ntshondwe – Ithala Game Reserve, Louwsburg, 3146

Note: Applications for placement at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Msinsi Holdings may be submitted to your nearest municipal tourism office.

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM & ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

DISTRICT OFFICES

Ethekwini District Office:
The Marine Building
8th Floor
22 Dorothy Nyembe Street
Durban, 4000

Tourism Office:
Calder House
217 Burger Street
Pietermaritzburg
3201

Ugu District Office:
46 Bisset Street
Port Shepstone
4240

Harry Gwala District Office:
139a Margaret Street
Trigon Place
Ixopo

Ilembe District Office:
Cnr. Main Road (R102) and Link Road
Stanger (Opposite the Fire Station)

Uthukela District Office:
73 Murchison Street
Ladysmith
3370

Amajuba District Office:
43 Harding Street
Newcastle
2940

Umzinyathi District Office:
Entrance 3
26 Beaconsfield Street
Dundee

Zululand District Office:
2nd Floor, Legislature Building
King Dinuzulu Highway
Ulundi

King Cetshwayo District Office:
Aloe Loop Avenue (Next to Unisa Building)
Veld En Vlei
Richards Bay
3900

Umkhanyakude District Office (Mkuze):
Mzololo Avenue
Mkuze
3969

Umkhanyakude District Office (Mtubatuba):
Lot 55d Kiepersol Street
Riverview Road
Mtubatuba

9. Applications may alternatively be forwarded to the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs through the following email address:
[email protected]

Download the advert or the application form in PDF format using the link provided below. The document contains full details about the Tourism Graduate Development Programme, including placement locations, application requirements, host employer offices, and district office information.

Applicants are advised to carefully read the advert and complete the Tourism Graduate Development Programme Application Form before submission. Ensure that all required information and supporting documents are included to avoid disqualification.

10. Candidates are discouraged from sending their applications through registered mail as the Department will not take responsibility for the non-collection of those applications.

11. Enquiries:
Mrs Nosipho Nkosi – [email protected] – (033) 264 9313
Ms Duduzile Nkosi – [email protected] – (033) 264 9360

12. CLOSING DATE: 25 MARCH 2026

13. Note: The Department reserves the right not to continue with the placement programme.