Illovo Sugar (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd is inviting suitably qualified South African graduates to apply for Graduate Trainee positions on fixed-term contracts. The opportunities are available in different business areas, including SHERQ, Human Resources, Finance and Production.
The graduate trainee vacancies are based at Eston, Merebank and Sezela. Applications are particularly invited from suitably qualified persons from previously disadvantaged groups. Interested applicants who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
The closing date for all applications is 25 September 2026.
Available Graduate Trainee Positions
The following Graduate Trainee opportunities are available:
- SHERQ Graduate – Eston
- HR Graduate – Illovo Bio-Based Solutions, Merebank
- Finance Graduate – Sezela
- Production Graduate – Illovo Bio-Based Solutions, Sezela
Each position has specific educational requirements, so applicants should carefully check the qualification requirements before submitting an application.
1. SHERQ Graduate – Eston
The SHERQ Graduate opportunity is based at Eston and is suitable for graduates who have completed a relevant bachelor’s degree.
Minimum qualifications and requirements
Applicants must have:
- A completed bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science
- A completed bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management
- A completed bachelor’s degree in Safety Management
- A completed bachelor’s degree in Food Technology
- A completed bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology
- A completed Bachelor of Science
- South African citizenship
- The ability to work under pressure
- Computer proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Office
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
Applicants interested in environmental management, safety, quality, food technology, biotechnology or related scientific fields may consider this opportunity where the qualification requirements are met.
2. HR Graduate – Illovo Bio-Based Solutions, Merebank
The HR Graduate opportunity is based at Illovo Bio-Based Solutions in Merebank.
The position is aimed at graduates who have completed a relevant qualification in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology or a related field.
Minimum qualifications and requirements
Applicants must have:
- A completed Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management
- A completed Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Industrial Psychology
- A completed qualification in a related field
- South African citizenship
- The ability to work under pressure
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
This opportunity may be suitable for graduates who have completed their studies and are looking to gain practical workplace experience in human resources.
3. Finance Graduate – Sezela
The Finance Graduate position is based at Sezela and is available to candidates with a completed qualification in Finance.
Minimum qualifications and requirements
Applicants must have:
- A completed Diploma in Finance
- A completed Degree in Finance
- A completed Honours in Finance
- CTA will be an advantage
- The ability to work under pressure
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Knowledge of other accounting packages will be an advantage
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
Candidates with finance qualifications who meet the minimum requirements can apply for this graduate trainee opportunity.
Applicants with knowledge or experience using accounting packages may have an additional advantage, although the advertisement specifically identifies this as an advantage rather than a mandatory requirement.
4. Production Graduate – Illovo Bio-Based Solutions, Sezela
The Production Graduate opportunity is based at Illovo Bio-Based Solutions in Sezela.
Minimum qualifications and requirements
Applicants must have:
- A completed degree in Chemical Engineering
- The ability to work under pressure
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
This opportunity is specifically aimed at candidates who have completed a Chemical Engineering degree and are interested in gaining practical experience within a production environment.
Key Culture Attributes
The graduate trainee opportunities require candidates who can demonstrate qualities aligned with safety, quality and teamwork.
Important attributes mentioned in the vacancy include:
- Understanding the importance of safety
- Understanding the importance of quality
- Commitment to teamwork
- Effective leadership
- Effective communication
- Recognition that people are an important part of the organisation
Applicants should therefore ensure that CVs clearly present relevant academic achievements, technical knowledge, communication abilities, teamwork experience and other skills that match the requirements of the position being applied for.
How to Apply for Illovo Sugar Graduate Trainee Vacancies
Applicants who are interested in the available positions must submit a detailed CV and copies of qualifications by email.
- Applications must be sent to: [email protected]
The position being applied for must be included in the email subject line.
Examples provided in the vacancy include:
HR Graduate Trainee
or
SHERQ Trainee
Applicants should ensure that the email subject clearly identifies the position being applied for. Candidates applying for Finance or Production should similarly identify the relevant position in the subject line.
A detailed CV should contain accurate personal information, educational qualifications, relevant skills and any applicable experience. Copies of relevant qualifications should also be included as requested in the vacancy.
Before sending the application, applicants should check that the CV and qualification documents are attached and that the correct position is stated in the email subject line.
Important Application Information
These Graduate Trainee positions are offered on a fixed-term contract basis.
The advertisement states that applications are invited from suitably qualified persons from previously disadvantaged groups. Appointment will be made in accordance with the organisation’s Employment Equity Plan.
Applicants should carefully review the requirements for the specific graduate trainee position before applying. Meeting the minimum qualification requirements does not necessarily guarantee selection, as recruitment and screening processes may apply.
When Will Applicants Receive Feedback?
Feedback will only be sent to successful candidates.
The advertisement states that successful candidates will receive feedback four weeks after the closing date.
Since the closing date is 25 September 2026, applicants should understand that feedback is not expected immediately after submitting an application.
Applicants who have not been contacted within four weeks after the closing date should accept that their application was unsuccessful, according to the vacancy advertisement.
Pre-Employment Screening
Applicants should also be aware that the recruitment process may include pre-employment screening tests.
During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to complete security assessment forms giving consent for Illovo Sugar (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd to conduct security and background checks.
The checks may include:
- Identification verification
- Credit checks
- Criminal background checks
- Collection of references
The screening is intended for pre-employment or pre-contractual purposes.
The advertisement further states that if an applicant withholds or withdraws consent before processing of personal information or special personal information has started or been completed, Illovo may be unable to conduct the required background screening. This may result in the application being considered incomplete and could affect the application outcome.
Closing Date
Closing Date: 25 September 2026
Applicants should not wait until the final day if all required documents are already available. The application should be submitted to the specified email address with the correct position in the subject line and the required documents attached.
Summary of Graduate Trainee Opportunities
| Position | Location | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| SHERQ Graduate | Eston | Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Safety Management, Food Technology, Biotechnology or BSc |
| HR Graduate | Illovo Bio-Based Solutions, Merebank | Diploma or bachelor’s degree in HR Management, Industrial Psychology or related field |
| Finance Graduate | Sezela | Diploma, Degree or Honours in Finance |
| Production Graduate | Illovo Bio-Based Solutions, Sezela | Degree in Chemical Engineering |
Positions: Graduate Trainees
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Locations: Eston, Merebank and Sezela
Application Email: [email protected]
Closing Date: 25 September 2026
Graduates who meet the requirements for one of the listed positions can prepare a detailed CV and copies of their qualifications and submit the application before the closing date.
Applicants should apply only for positions where the required qualification and other minimum requirements are met. The position title should be clearly included in the email subject line to help identify the vacancy being applied for.
Apply before 25 September 2026.