The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is inviting applications from unemployed South African citizens for its Greening Programme 2026. The programme offers short-term employment opportunities for unskilled participants interested in garden maintenance, environmental support and general outdoor work.
A total of 20 positions are available across two locations: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, Western Cape, and the Free State National Botanical Garden, with positions based at the University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus.
Successful applicants will be employed on fixed-term contracts ending on 31 March 2027. Participants will receive remuneration of R150 per day while carrying out various gardening, cleaning and environmental maintenance duties.
This opportunity may be suitable for unemployed individuals who are looking for temporary employment and are willing to perform physically demanding manual work. Previous experience in gardening or environmental maintenance will be an advantage, but the programme is advertised for unskilled participants.
Applications must be submitted before Friday, 13 November 2026, at 16:00.
1. Greening Programme: Cape Town – Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Reference Number: FGP/KNBG/2026
Number of Positions: 11
Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Newlands, Cape Town, Western Cape
Remuneration: R150 per day
Contract Duration: Fixed-term contract ending 31 March 2027
Closing Date: 13 November 2026
Closing Time: 16:00
Programme Overview
SANBI is offering 11 temporary employment opportunities at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town.
The programme focuses on maintaining gardens and supporting environmental activities through general cleaning, weeding, removing invasive plants and maintaining pathways and surrounding areas.
Successful candidates will be expected to work independently and as part of a team. The work involves physical activities and requires individuals who are prepared to work outdoors and perform manual labour.
Applicants should understand that this is not an office-based position. The daily responsibilities will involve practical gardening and maintenance activities to help keep the botanical garden clean, safe and properly maintained.
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful participants will be expected to perform various manual duties, including:
- Carrying out general cleaning and maintenance around the botanical garden.
- Weeding garden areas and removing unwanted vegetation.
- Identifying and removing invasive plants as required.
- Maintaining pathways and surrounding areas.
- Keeping designated garden spaces clean and presentable.
- Assisting with general gardening and environmental maintenance activities.
- Performing other duties related to garden maintenance as assigned.
Working Hours
The application information indicates that the programme operates on weekdays, with application delivery and contact arrangements available between 08:00 and 16:00.
Minimum Requirements and Eligibility
Applicants interested in the Cape Town Greening Programme must meet the following requirements:
- Must be South African citizens.
- Must reside within the local municipality where the garden is based.
- Must provide valid proof of residence.
- Must be physically and medically fit to perform manual labour.
- Must be willing to undertake hard physical work.
- Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
Acceptable proof of residence may include a letter from the ward committee, a letter from a traditional authority or a utility bill.
Previous experience in gardening, cleaning, landscaping, environmental maintenance or similar duties will be an advantage. However, the programme is intended for unskilled participants.
Application Delivery Address
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Rhodes Drive
Newlands
Cape Town
7735
Contact Person: Ms Meg Pittaway
Telephone: 021 799 8783
Applicants may submit their applications by email, post or hand delivery.
2. Greening Programme: Qwaqwa – Free State National Botanical Garden
Reference Number: FGP/FSNBG/2026
Number of Positions: 9
Location: University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus, Free State
Remuneration: R150 per day
Contract Duration: Fixed-term contract ending 31 March 2027
Closing Date: 13 November 2026
Closing Time: 16:00
Programme Overview
SANBI is also recruiting nine unskilled participants for its Greening Programme in the Free State.
The positions fall under the Free State National Botanical Garden programme, with the successful candidates based at the University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus.
The programme provides temporary employment for individuals who are interested in supporting garden maintenance and environmental activities.
Participants will be responsible for carrying out general outdoor maintenance, including cleaning, weeding, removing invasive plants and maintaining pathways and surrounding areas.
Candidates appointed to these positions must be prepared to perform physically demanding tasks and work in different outdoor conditions.
The programme offers an opportunity for unemployed individuals to gain practical work exposure while earning R150 per day.
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be expected to perform the following duties:
- Perform general cleaning and maintenance.
- Remove weeds and unwanted vegetation from designated areas.
- Assist with the removal of invasive plants.
- Maintain pathways and surrounding garden areas.
- Keep outdoor spaces clean and properly maintained.
- Assist with general environmental support activities.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Working Arrangements
The programme involves practical outdoor work and manual labour. Applicants must be prepared to work independently and cooperate with other team members when carrying out assigned responsibilities.
Minimum Requirements and Eligibility
To qualify for consideration, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Reside within the local municipality where the garden is based.
- Provide acceptable proof of residence.
- Be physically and medically fit to perform manual labour.
- Be willing to undertake hard physical work.
- Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
Experience in gardening, cleaning, landscaping or similar maintenance activities will be an advantage.
The programme is aimed at unskilled participants, making it an opportunity worth considering for eligible applicants who do not have formal work experience in the gardening or environmental maintenance sector.
Application Delivery Address
Free State National Botanical Garden
Rayton Road
Off Dan Pienaar Drive
R702
Bloemfontein
Contact Person: Mr Lufuno Nenungwi
Telephone: 051 436 3530
Important Location Information: Although the application delivery address is in Bloemfontein, the nine positions advertised under this programme will be based at the University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus.
Applicants should take note of the actual work location before submitting their applications.
Employment Conditions and Important Information
The SANBI Greening Programme offers fixed-term employment ending on 31 March 2027.
The advertised daily remuneration is R150. Applicants should understand that these are temporary programme positions and not permanent employment opportunities.
The nature of the work requires physical fitness and the ability to perform manual tasks. Successful candidates may spend their working days outdoors carrying out gardening, cleaning and maintenance activities.
In line with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), SANBI aims to target women, youth and persons with disabilities.
SANBI reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions.
All applicants should ensure that their application forms and CVs contain accurate information. SANBI may process personal information for recruitment purposes, including qualification verification, reference checks, background screening, competency assessments and criminal record checks.
Candidates may also be required to attend selection interviews on dates and times determined by SANBI.
Applicants who have not received feedback within 30 days after the closing date may consider their applications unsuccessful.
How to Apply for the SANBI Greening Programme 2026
Interested and suitably qualified applicants must complete the official SANBI application form and submit it together with a two-page CV.
Applications can be submitted through the following methods:
Option 1: Email Application
Send the completed SANBI application form and your two-page CV to:
Email Address: [email protected]
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are attached before sending the email.
Option 2: Post or Hand Delivery
Applicants may also submit their completed application forms and CVs by post or hand delivery to the relevant botanical garden address provided under the applicable programme.
For Cape Town applicants, use the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden delivery address.
For Qwaqwa applicants, use the Free State National Botanical Garden application delivery address provided above.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed SANBI application form.
- A two-page CV.
- Proof of residence, as required to demonstrate that the applicant lives within the relevant local municipality.
Make sure the application form is completed correctly and that the CV is attached.
Correct Reference Numbers
Applicants must use the correct reference number for the programme they wish to apply for.
- Cape Town – Kirstenbosch: FGP/KNBG/2026
- Qwaqwa – Free State National Botanical Garden: FGP/FSNBG/2026
Using the correct reference number is important. Failure to provide the requested information may result in an application not being considered.
Download the Official SANBI Application Form
Applicants can download the official SANBI application form using the link below:
SANBI Application Form:
https://www.sanbi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SANBI-Application-Form.doc
Read the application instructions carefully and complete all applicable sections before submitting your documents.
Closing Date and Application Deadline
The closing date for both Greening Programme opportunities is Friday, 13 November 2026, at 16:00.
Late applications may not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their documents before the deadline.
Final Note to Job Seekers
The SANBI Greening Programme provides temporary employment opportunities for 20 unskilled participants in Cape Town and Qwaqwa.
Individuals who meet the citizenship, local residency and physical fitness requirements are encouraged to apply.
Before submitting an application, carefully check the location, reference number and application delivery details. Remember that proof of residence is important, as applicants must reside within the local municipality where the relevant garden is based.
Apply before 13 November 2026 at 16:00.