The National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) Programme invites applications for the 2026/2027 intake across several municipalities in Gauteng Province. The programme is an initiative by the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development aimed at empowering unemployed youth living in rural communities through skills development, leadership training, and employment opportunities.
Young people residing in targeted farming and rural communities within Gauteng municipalities are encouraged to apply before the closing date. The programme focuses on equipping participants with accredited qualifications and practical workplace skills that can improve employability and support enterprise development in South Africa.
Available Learnership Programmes
• National Certificate: General Security Practices NQF Level 3
• Laboratory Assistance:HPCSA Full Qualification
• Tracker Installation Short Skills Programme
• Drone Pilot Short Skills Programme
• National Certificate:Domestic Appliance Repair NQF Level 3
About the NARYSEC Programme
The NARYSEC Programme was established in September 2010 as part of government efforts to address youth unemployment in rural areas. The programme aligns with the National Development Plan Vision 2030 and the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP).
The programme aims to produce:
- Skilled rural youth ready to participate in economic opportunities
- Economically active youth in rural communities
- Youth-owned enterprises contributing to the country’s economy
Selected applicants will undergo structured training and development programmes designed to prepare them for employment opportunities in different sectors.
What Successful Applicants Will Be Required to Do
Candidates selected for the NARYSEC Programme will be expected to complete several phases of development and training. These include:
- Attending a 9-week Youth Leadership Development Programme (YLDP) away from home
- Participating in community service activities for 2 months
- Completing skills training programmes through public TVET colleges or private training providers
- Obtaining SAQA-accredited qualifications linked to selected programmes
Training duration differs depending on the programme and institution providing the qualification.
Available Learnership and Skills Programmes
Several accredited qualifications and short skills programmes are available for the 2026/2027 intake. Each programme has specific entry requirements and possible employment opportunities after completion.
1. General Security Practices NQF Level 3
SAQA ID: 58577
Duration: 12 Months
Requirements
- Age between 18 and 26 or 35 years depending on municipality requirements
- Grade 12 certificate
- South African citizen with a valid ID
- Medically and physically fit
- Ability to read, write and speak English fluently
- No criminal record
- Willingness to relocate to other provinces if required
Exit Opportunity
- Formal employment opportunities in the security sector
This qualification prepares participants for entry-level employment within the security and protection services industry.
2. Laboratory Assistance HPCSA Full Qualification
This programme is suitable for youth interested in healthcare and laboratory environments.
Requirements
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Grade 12 passed
- Minimum 40% in Mathematics or 50% in Mathematical Literacy
- Minimum 40% in Life Sciences
- Minimum 40% in English
Exit Opportunity
- Formal employment opportunities
The qualification provides foundational laboratory and healthcare support skills required in medical and scientific environments.
3. Tracker Installation Short Skills Programme
The Tracker Installation programme focuses on vehicle tracking systems and technical installation skills.
Requirements
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Grade 12 certificate
Exit Opportunity
- Formal employment opportunities
Participants may gain opportunities within vehicle security and tracking industries after completing the programme.
4. Drone Pilot Short Skills Programme
The Drone Pilot programme offers specialised technical training for youth interested in modern technology and aerial systems.
Requirements
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Grade 12 passed
- English Home Language
- Mathematics
- Computer subject
- Valid driver’s licence
- Ability to drive a UDS bakkie
- Computer literacy and basic computer knowledge
Exit Opportunity
- Formal employment opportunities
Drone technology continues to grow in industries such as agriculture, security, mapping, and inspections, creating new career opportunities for trained pilots.
5. National Certificate: Domestic Appliance Repair NQF Level 3
SAQA ID: 49056
Requirements
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Grade 12 passed
- Mathematics and Physical Science
- Basic electrical knowledge will be advantageous
Exit Opportunity
- Formal employment and enterprise development opportunities
This programme equips participants with technical repair skills for household appliances and may support self-employment opportunities.
General Requirements for All Applicants
Applicants must meet the following additional requirements:
- South African citizen with a valid Identity Document
- Medically fit
- Unemployed
- Not studying at any tertiary institution
- Residing within targeted rural or farming communities
- No criminal record
Applications from persons living with disabilities are encouraged. Applicants from all racial groups may apply.
Municipalities and Communities Included
The recruitment drive targets youth residing in farming and rural communities within various municipalities in Gauteng Province.
Merafong City Local Municipality
Targeted communities include:
- Kokosi in Fochville
Midvaal Local Municipality
Targeted communities include:
- Komdraai
- Herolds
- Ha Brown
- Dipereng farms
City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Targeted communities include:
- Vlakfontein
- Kananaville
- Ontverchart
- Masobhana
- Grasdak
- Wolwegat
- Zusterstroom
- Vaalplaas
- Rooipoort
- Sokhulumi
- Bronkhorstspruit
- Suurman Ridge
- Dilopye
- Ramotse
- Hammanskraal
Emfuleni Local Municipality
Targeted communities include:
- Rietspruit
- Barrage
- Louisrus
- Rossehouf
- Vaalfontein
- Lochvaal
Lesedi Local Municipality
Targeted communities include:
- Langzeekoegat Farm in Nigel
Required Documents
Applicants must submit completed application forms together with the following documents:
- SAPS certified copy of Grade 12 certificate
- SAPS certified copy of South African ID
- SARS tax number
- Proof of residence from councillor or traditional authority
- Updated Curriculum Vitae with at least two contactable references
Certified copies must not be older than six months. Documents should be clear and readable without dark or shaded backgrounds.
Where to Collect and Submit Application Forms
Merafong City Local Municipality
Collection and submission:
- 3 Harry Gwala Street, Kokosi, Fochville
- 3 Halite Street, Carletonville
Midvaal Local Municipality
Submission address:
- Midvaal Local Municipality, 25 Mitchell Street, Meyerton
City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Submission addresses:
- City of Tshwane, 838 Kruger Street, Erasmus, Bronkhorstspruit
- AmaNdebele-Ba-Lebelo Traditional Council Offices, Majaneng, Hammanskraal
Emfuleni Local Municipality
Submission address:
- Emfuleni Local Municipality, 27 Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, Vanderbijlpark
Lesedi Local Municipality
Submission address:
- Lesedi Local Municipality, 1 H F Verwoerd Street, Heidelberg
NARYSEC Application Form:
Applicants interested in the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) Programme 2026/2027 intake can download the NARYSEC Application Form and complete all required sections before submission. The application form must be submitted together with certified copies of supporting documents including a South African ID, Grade 12 certificate, proof of residence, SARS tax number, and an updated CV with contactable references.
The completed application form and supporting documents must be submitted before the closing date of 25 May 2026 at 16h00. Applicants are advised to ensure that all certified documents are clear and not older than six months to avoid disqualification during the application process.
Closing Date: 25 May 2026
Time: 16h00
Late applications may not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to submit documents before the deadline to avoid delays or disqualification.
Important Notes for Applicants
The NARYSEC Programme provides an important opportunity for unemployed youth in rural communities to gain accredited qualifications, workplace exposure, leadership development, and employment opportunities. Applicants should ensure that all required documents are included and correctly certified before submission.
Only unemployed youth who are not currently studying at tertiary institutions should apply. Preference is given to applicants residing in the targeted farming and rural communities listed in the advertisement.
Applicants interested in technical fields such as drone piloting, laboratory assistance, domestic appliance repair, and security services are encouraged to apply for programmes matching their qualifications and career interests.
The programme continues to play an important role in rural development and youth empowerment across South Africa by preparing young people for employment, entrepreneurship, and participation in the economy.