Sundays River Valley Municipality invites applications from eligible unemployed youth for its 2026/2027 Firefighter Learnership Programme. The municipality is offering three Fire Fighter Learner positions to applicants who reside within its municipal area.
The programme is aimed at unemployed young people who are passionate about serving their communities through risk management, firefighting, disaster management and safety services.
Successful candidates will receive a stipend of R5,000 per month and participate in a 12-month practical on-the-job assignment. The opportunity is available in the Paterson, Addo and Nqweba areas.
Applicants must meet the required age, educational, driver’s licence and physical fitness requirements before applying.
Firefighter Learnership Programme Details
Programme: 2026/2027 Firefighter Learnership Programme
Number of positions: 3 Fire Fighter Learners
Stipend: R5,000 per month
Duration: 12 months
Reference: Notice 15/2026
Areas: Paterson, Addo and Nqweba
Closing date: 21 August 2026 at 12:00
Location for submission: Office of the Skills Development Facilitator, 23 Middle Street, Nqweba
The notice was issued on 6 August 2026.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is intended for unemployed youth who meet the requirements set by Sundays River Valley Municipality.
Applicants must reside within the municipality’s municipal area. The opportunity is particularly suited to individuals who are interested in firefighting, emergency services, disaster management, community safety and other areas involving public protection.
Applicants must also be prepared to participate in physical activities and practical training. Firefighting can involve working in difficult environments, at heights and in situations that require physical strength, teamwork and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Requirements for the Firefighter Learnership
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- Be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Be able to work in restricted areas and at heights.
- Be physically fit.
- Have the ability to work as part of a group.
- Be able to cope with traumatic situations.
- Have no criminal record.
- Be in possession of a Code B (08) driver’s licence.
- Knowledge and experience in disaster management will be an added advantage.
Applicants should carefully check all requirements before submitting an application. Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection, as candidates may be required to undergo further assessment and physical fitness testing.
Physical Fitness Evaluation
Firefighting requires a high level of physical fitness because firefighters may be required to carry equipment, climb ladders, move quickly during emergencies and assist people in dangerous situations.
Candidates for the Sundays River Valley Municipality programme will therefore be expected to participate in a physical fitness evaluation.
The assessment will include:
200 Metres Run
Candidates will be required to complete a 200-metre run within the prescribed time. Applicants should prepare for the physical demands of the assessment and ensure that they are capable of performing strenuous activities.
Push-Ups
Push-ups form part of the physical assessment and are used to evaluate upper-body strength and endurance.
Sit-Ups
Candidates will also be required to complete sit-ups as part of the fitness evaluation.
Dead Load Carry
The assessment includes a dead load carry, which tests a candidate’s ability to move a heavy load. This is relevant to firefighting because emergency situations can require firefighters to carry equipment or assist people.
Ladder Climb
Candidates will be required to complete a ladder climb. Applicants should be comfortable working at heights and must be able to perform the activity safely.
Claustrophobia and Acrophobia Test
The physical evaluation will also include a claustrophobia/acrophobia test. This means candidates may be assessed on their ability to work in confined spaces and at heights.
Anyone interested in applying should understand that the programme involves more than classroom learning. Candidates must be physically and mentally prepared for practical firefighting activities.
What Does the Learnership Offer?
The selected candidates will participate in a 12-month practical on-the-job assignment.
The programme provides an opportunity for unemployed youth to gain practical exposure in an area that plays an important role in community safety. Firefighting involves responding to emergencies, assisting people during dangerous situations, supporting disaster management activities and helping protect lives and property.
The learnership can therefore provide valuable practical experience to young people who want to develop a career in emergency services, firefighting, disaster management or related fields.
Successful learners will also receive a stipend of R5,000 during the programme, according to the municipality’s notice.
Knowledge of Disaster Management
Although knowledge and experience in disaster management is not listed as a compulsory minimum requirement, it will be considered an added advantage.
Applicants who have previously gained exposure to disaster management, emergency response, community safety or related activities may therefore have useful experience when being considered for the opportunity.
However, applicants should not assume that previous disaster management experience is required if they meet the stated minimum requirements.
Employment Equity and Selection
The municipality has stated that if an applicant does not receive a response 30 days after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
The notice also refers to the Employment Equity Act, 97 of 1998, and states that priority will be given to first-time learners and out-of-training learners who need practical experience.
Appointments will also focus on ensuring fair representation of community groups within the Sundays River Valley Municipality in order to address the municipality’s demographics.
Applicants should therefore make sure that all information supplied on the application form and supporting documents is accurate and complete.
Documents Required
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Completed SRVM application form.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copy of Identity Document.
- Certified copies of relevant certificates.
- Motivation letter.
The application must be directed to the Office of the Skills Development Facilitator.
Applicants should make sure that copies of required documents are properly certified before submission. A clear and updated CV should also be included.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the Sundays River Valley Municipality application form and submit it together with the required supporting documents.
The application form can be downloaded online: Download the SRVM Application Form
After downloading the form, applicants should complete all relevant sections carefully and attach the required documents.
Applications must be submitted to:
Office of the Skills Development Facilitator
23 Middle Street
Nqweba
6120
The deadline is 21 August 2026 at 12:00.
Applications should be submitted before the closing time. Late applications may not be considered, so applicants are advised not to wait until the final day if all documents can be prepared earlier.
Important Information for Applicants
The programme is specifically targeted at applicants who reside within the Sundays River Valley Municipality area. The areas mentioned in the notice are Paterson, Addo and Nqweba.
Applicants should carefully read the municipality’s requirements before applying. Particular attention should be given to the age requirement, driver’s licence requirement, physical fitness requirements and criminal record requirement.
The Code B (08) driver’s licence is listed as a requirement, meaning applicants who do not have the required driver’s licence should take this into consideration before submitting an application.
Applicants should also prepare for the physical fitness evaluation. Regular running, push-ups, sit-ups and other suitable fitness exercises may help applicants prepare for the physical demands associated with the assessment.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Sundays River Valley Municipality 2026/2027 Firefighter Learnership Programme is: 21 August 2026 at 12:00
There are only three Fire Fighter Learner positions available, making it important for eligible applicants to submit complete applications before the deadline.
The programme offers unemployed youth an opportunity to gain practical experience while receiving a R5,000 monthly stipend over the 12-month practical assignment.
Anyone who meets the requirements and is interested in developing skills in firefighting, emergency response, disaster management and community safety can consider applying.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully complete the application form, prepare all required supporting documents and submit the application to the specified address before the closing date and time.