The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) invites applications for an external learnership opportunity from unemployed South Africans who are interested in gaining practical experience and accredited qualifications in the nature conservation and tourism sectors.
The MTPA Learnership Programme 2026 is aimed at unemployed candidates between the ages of 18 and 35 years who meet the stated qualifying criteria. A total of 42 learnership opportunities are available across two programmes, with successful candidates placed at various nature reserves and tourism facilities in Mpumalanga.
Positions Available
1. National Certificate: Nature Conservation – Resource Guardianship NQF Level 2
21 Learnership Positions
- Bushbuckridge Nature Reserve – 1
- Blyder River Canyon Nature Reserve – 2
- Verloren Valei Nature Reserve – 2
- Songimvelo Nature Reserve – 2
- Barberton Nature Reserve – 1
- Mahushe Shongwe Nature Reserve – 1
- Mthethomusha Nature Reserve – 1
- Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve – 1
- Mdala Nature Reserve – 1
- Loskop Dam Nature Reserve – 2
- Mkhombo Nature Reserve – 1
- Mabusane Nature Reserve – 1
- SS Skosana Nature Reserve – 1
- Manyeleti Nature Reserve – 2
- Andover Nature Reserve – 1
- Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve – 1
2. FETC: Tourism Guiding NQF Level 2
21 Learnership Positions
- Blyder 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
Total Positions: 42 Learnerships
The available programmes are the National Certificate: Nature Conservation – Resource Guardianship NQF Level 2 and the Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC): Tourism Guiding NQF Level 2.
Successful candidates will participate in a combination of structured learning and practical workplace experience over a period of 12 months. The monthly stipend is R3,500.00.
MTPA Learnership Programme 2026
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency invites applications from unemployed candidates for a twelve-month Learnership Programme.
The programme combines theoretical learning with practical workplace experience. Training will be provided through an accredited training provider and will lead to a qualification recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will receive a certificate accredited by the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA).
The opportunity is particularly suited to candidates who have an interest in nature conservation, tourism, outdoor work and practical learning.
1. National Certificate: Nature Conservation – Resource Guardianship NQF Level 2
The first learnership programme is the National Certificate: Nature Conservation – Resource Guardianship NQF Level 2.
Successful candidates will be placed at nature reserves across Mpumalanga. Placement will be based on the candidate’s area of residence.
Available Nature Conservation Learnership Positions
No: 1
Base Station: Bushbuckridge Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 01
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 2
Base Station: Blyder River Canyon Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 02
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 3
Base Station: Verloren Valei Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 02
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 4
Base Station: Songimvelo Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 02
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 5
Base Station: Barberton Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 01
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 6
Base Station: Mahushe Shongwe Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 01
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 7
Base Station: Mthethomusha Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 01
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 8
Base Station: Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 01
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 9
Base Station: Mdala Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 01
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 10
Base Station: Loskop Dam Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 02
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 11
Base Station: Mkhombo Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 01
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 12
Base Station: Mabusane Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 01
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 13
Base Station: SS Skosana Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 01
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 14
Base Station: Manyeleti Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 02
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 15
Base Station: Andover Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 01
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 16
Base Station: Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 01
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
Total required: 21 learners.
2. FETC: Tourism Guiding NQF Level 2
The second available programme is the Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC): Tourism Guiding NQF Level 2.
A total of 21 learners will be appointed under this programme. Candidates will receive theoretical and practical training related to tourism guiding and will be placed at the listed stations.
Available Tourism Guiding Learnership Positions
No: 1
Base Station: Blyder River Canyon Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 07
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 2
Base Station: Songimvelo Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 02
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 3
Base Station: Barberton Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 02
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 4
Base Station: Loskop Dam Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 02
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 5
Base Station: Manyeleti Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 04
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 6
Base Station: Andover Nature Reserve
Allocation per Station: 02
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
No: 7
Base Station: Dr Esther Mahlangu and Kgodwana Cultural Village
Allocation per Station: 02
Duration: Twelve (12) months
Monthly Stipend: R3,500.00 per month
Total required: 21 learners.
MTPA Learnership Requirements
Candidates must meet all the qualifying criteria before submitting an application.
The requirements include:
- Must be an unemployed South African.
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years.
- Must have Grade 12.
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) must be submitted.
- A copy of the South African ID must be attached.
- Valid proof of residence must be provided.
- Must be residing in Mpumalanga Province.
- Must not be studying at any tertiary institution.
- Must not be registered for or have participated in another learnership.
- Must be interested in working outdoors and doing practical work.
- People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Candidates should carefully check the requirements before submitting applications. Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee selection, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the required documents before visiting the relevant application point.
The application must include an application letter indicating the specific programme being applied for. The programme should be clearly stated, particularly where a candidate is applying for either the Nature Conservation or Tourism Guiding learnership.
The following documents are required:
- Application letter.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Grade 12 certificate.
- Valid proof of residence.
- Copy of ID.
Applicants should ensure that copies are clear and that all required documents are included. Missing documentation may affect consideration of the application.
How to Apply for the MTPA Learnership
Candidates are invited to submit their applications to the nearest MTPA stations or nature reserves.
Applications may also be hand delivered at the MTPA Head Office at:
MTPA Head Office
N4 National Road
Hall’s Gateway
Mattafin
Security Gate
Applicants should indicate the learnership programme being applied for in the application letter.
The advertisement specifically states that emailed applications will not be considered. Late applications will also not be considered.
Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications in person before the closing date and time.
Closing Date
The closing date for the MTPA Learnership Programme 2026 is: 28 August 2026 at 16:00
Late applications and emailed applications will not be considered.
Applicants should allow enough time to prepare their documents and deliver the application before the deadline.
Enquiries
For enquiries regarding the learnership programme, candidates may contact:
Ms. Bridget Mondlane
Ms. Funeka Nkosi
Ms. Nqobile Ngomane
Telephone:
013 065 0686
013 065 0677
Important Information for Applicants
The MTPA Learnership Programme provides an opportunity for unemployed young South Africans in Mpumalanga to gain practical workplace experience while working towards an accredited qualification.
The two programmes offer different career paths. The Nature Conservation: Resource Guardianship NQF Level 2 programme is suited to candidates interested in conservation, nature reserves and outdoor practical work. The FETC: Tourism Guiding NQF Level 2 programme is aimed at candidates interested in tourism guiding and working within tourism-related environments.
Candidates should select the programme that best matches their interests and career goals. Applicants should also consider the location of the available base stations, as placement will be based on the area of residence.
The programme runs for 12 months, with successful learners receiving a R3,500 monthly stipend.
The MTPA is an equal opportunity employer and aims to promote representativeness through empowering young people. Young people, women and people with disabilities who are interested in acquiring learnership skills are encouraged to apply.
Applicants who do not receive communication within three months after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.