SANParks EPWP Programme Employment Opportunity: 13 Tourism Monitors (4-Month Contract) – Apply by 20 April 2026.

The South African National Parks, in partnership with the Department of Tourism, invites applications from eligible unemployed youth for participation in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Tourism Monitors Programme. A total of 13 Tourism Monitor positions are available across selected national parks for a four-month contract period ending 31 August 2026.

This short-term employment opportunity forms part of a national initiative aimed at strengthening tourism safety, improving visitor experiences, and creating meaningful work exposure for young South Africans interested in the tourism sector. Applicants are encouraged to apply only for placements within their local municipalities or areas of residence.

Successful candidates will sign a fixed-term contract with a service provider appointed by the Department of Tourism and will be deployed at designated tourism attractions located near their homes.

Position: Tourism Monitors (13 Posts)
Duration: 4 months (ending 31 August 2026)
Stipend: Not specified
Location: Table Mountain National Park
Closing Date: 20 April 2026

Overview of the Tourism Monitors Programme

The Tourism Monitors Programme is implemented to support safety awareness, visitor guidance, and service excellence at major tourism sites across South Africa. Participants gain practical workplace exposure while contributing to improved visitor management within protected environments and heritage destinations.

Tourism Monitors assist with:

• Supporting tourism safety awareness initiatives
• Enhancing visitor experiences at tourism attractions
• Providing information to visitors
• Assisting with monitoring activities at designated tourism sites
• Promoting responsible tourism practices
• Supporting operational staff during peak visitor periods
• Reporting safety concerns where necessary
• Encouraging compliance with tourism site regulations

The programme offers valuable exposure for youth interested in careers in tourism, conservation support services, heritage site operations, and visitor management.

Programme Duration

Successful candidates will be appointed for a four-month contract period ending 31 August 2026. During this period, participants will be placed at selected SANParks attractions located within reasonable travelling distance from their residence.

Deployment depends on operational requirements at each site.

Number of Available Positions

A total of 13 Tourism Monitor posts are available across three SANParks destinations:

• 9 positions at Table Mountain National Park
• 3 positions at Agulhas National Park
• 1 position at Bontebok National Park

Each placement is linked to a specific municipality and requires residence within the surrounding local area.

Programme Objectives

The Tourism Monitors Programme supports several national priorities in tourism development and youth empowerment. Key objectives include:

• Providing short-term employment opportunities to unemployed youth
• Enhancing tourism safety at national attractions
• Supporting tourism recovery initiatives
• Promoting responsible visitor behaviour
• Improving the overall visitor experience at tourism sites
• Building entry-level workplace skills among participants
• Supporting environmental awareness in tourism destinations
• Encouraging participation in the tourism economy

Participants benefit from workplace exposure within one of South Africa’s most important conservation and tourism institutions.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria before submitting an application:

Citizenship Requirement

Applicants must be South African citizens and provide a certified copy of a valid identity document.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.

Employment Status

Applicants must be currently unemployed.

Educational Qualification

A Matric certificate or equivalent qualification is required.

Additional qualifications in tourism, environmental studies, hospitality, conservation support, or related fields will be considered advantageous but are not mandatory.

Language Skills

Applicants must be:

• Literate in English
• Able to communicate effectively with visitors
• Comfortable interacting with members of the public

Strong communication ability improves placement suitability.

Residence Requirement

Applicants must reside within 40 km to 50 km of the tourism attraction where placement is requested.

Acceptable proof of residence includes:

• Municipal utility statement
• Official confirmation letter from a ward councillor
• Letter from a recognised tribal authority

Affidavits will not be accepted as proof of residence.

Failure to provide valid proof of residence may result in disqualification.

Transport Requirement

Applicants must have reliable personal transport arrangements to travel to and from their assigned tourism site.

Tourism Monitor shifts may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, or public holidays depending on operational needs.

Availability and Working Conditions

Tourism Monitors must be willing to:

• Work flexible hours
• Work weekends when required
• Work public holidays when scheduled
• Support tourism operations during peak periods
• Participate in site-based duties assigned by supervisors

The programme requires punctuality, responsibility, and commitment throughout the contract period.

Important Disqualification Conditions

Applications may be disqualified if any of the following conditions apply:

• More than one learner applies from the same household
• Proof of residence is submitted as an affidavit
• Required documents are missing
• Residence falls outside the specified distance radius
• Applicant does not meet age requirements
• Applicant is currently employed

Careful verification of application documents is strongly recommended before submission.

Placement Locations and Reference Numbers

Applicants must clearly indicate the correct reference number when applying.

Table Mountain National Park – 9 Positions

Reference Number: TMNPX9R
Municipality: City of Cape Town

Placement includes visitor-facing support services across one of South Africa’s most visited national parks, known for its biodiversity, heritage value, and international tourism significance.

Application Link:
https://forms.office.com/r/TaN8S05GGp

Email Submission:
ANP.Vacancies.sanparks.org

Agulhas National Park – 3 Positions

Reference Number: ANPX3R
Municipality: Cape Agulhas Municipality

This placement supports tourism monitoring at the southernmost tip of Africa, a site of environmental importance and historical maritime relevance.

Application Link:
https://forms.office.com/r/TaN8S05GGp

Email Submission:
ANP.Vacancies.sanparks.org

Bontebok National Park – 1 Position

Reference Number: BNPX1R
Municipality: Swellendam Municipality

Bontebok National Park offers opportunities to gain exposure within a protected conservation environment supporting biodiversity preservation and visitor engagement activities.

Application Link:
https://forms.office.com/r/TaN8S05GGp

Email Submission:
ANP.Vacancies.sanparks.org

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copy of identity document
• Certified copy of Matric certificate or equivalent qualification
• Proof of residence (not older than three months)

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Applicants must also complete the official application form available through the provided submission link.

Selection Process

The recruitment process includes several assessment stages.

Shortlisting

Only candidates meeting minimum eligibility requirements will be shortlisted.

Interviews

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend interviews conducted near their area of residence.

Interview invitations will be communicated directly to selected candidates.

Medical Examination

Successful interview candidates will undergo a medical examination before final placement confirmation.

Criminal Record Verification

Final appointment depends on successful completion of criminal record clearance procedures.

Participation in the programme is confirmed only after all screening requirements are completed.

Employment Equity Considerations

SANParks supports inclusive employment practices aligned with national transformation priorities.

Priority consideration is given to:

• South African citizens
• Youth residing near placement locations
• Applicants from historically disadvantaged communities
• Persons living with disabilities

Applications from individuals living with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

Important Application Notes

Applicants should carefully review the following before submission:

• Applications must include the correct reference number
• Placement requests must match residential location
• Supporting documents must be certified
• Proof of residence must be valid and recent
• Only one application per household is permitted

Failure to follow application instructions may affect eligibility.

Communication with Applicants

Only shortlisted candidates will receive further communication regarding interviews or selection outcomes.

Applicants who do not receive feedback within three weeks after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Due to the high volume of expected applications, individual follow-up requests may not be accommodated.

Programme Benefits for Participants

Participation in the Tourism Monitors Programme offers several developmental advantages:

Workplace Exposure

Participants gain experience working in national tourism environments under structured supervision.

Tourism Sector Experience

Exposure to visitor management operations builds practical knowledge relevant to future employment opportunities.

Public Interaction Skills

Tourism Monitor duties strengthen communication and customer service skills essential in tourism careers.

Environmental Awareness

Working within national parks promotes understanding of conservation principles and responsible tourism practices.

Career Preparation

The programme helps prepare youth for entry-level opportunities in:

• Tourism support services
• Heritage site assistance
• Environmental visitor services
• Conservation administration support
• Hospitality environments
• Tourism safety programmes

Participation improves employability within the tourism sector.

About SANParks

SANParks manages a network of protected national parks across South Africa, supporting biodiversity conservation, heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism development.

Tourism Monitors contribute to maintaining safe and welcoming visitor environments within these protected spaces while gaining valuable exposure to conservation-linked tourism operations.

Application Enquiries

Applicants requiring assistance or clarification regarding the programme may contact:

Contact Person: Nelisiwe Nqwiliso
Telephone: 021 741 0590
Email: [email protected]

Enquiries should include the relevant reference number when requesting assistance.

Closing Date

Applications close on 20 April 2026

Late submissions may not be considered. Early application submission is recommended to avoid processing delays.