Government Is Paying Unemployed Graduates R8 800 A Month — Here's How To Apply Before The 29 May Deadline

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has opened its EPWP Project Support Programme for 2026, offering 12-month fixed-term contracts across all nine provinces of South Africa.

For thousands of unemployed South African graduates sitting with a degree but no work experience, a new government programme could be the break they have been waiting for. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has officially opened applications for its EPWP Project Support Programme 2026 — a 12-month fixed-term contract paying R8 800 per month, with placements available in every province.

The programme falls under Group 07: Youth & Contractor Development of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), the South African government's flagship initiative for tackling unemployment among young people. Applications close on 29 May 2026 — giving eligible candidates just over two weeks to submit their documents.

"R8 800 a month, a government reference on your CV, and 12 months of real-world experience. For an unemployed graduate, this is not just a stipend — it is a launchpad."

What Is The EPWP Project Support Programme?

The Expanded Public Works Programme is one of South Africa's largest government-led employment interventions, designed to pull young people out of unemployment by giving them structured, paid work experience inside government departments and public entities. Unlike a traditional internship, EPWP participants are classified as fixed-term contract workers and receive a stipend rather than a salary — but the exposure and experience are very real.

The 2026 cohort at the DFFE focuses specifically on project support, data management, training coordination, and administrative work within the department's environmental programmes. Successful candidates will not be pushing paper in a back office — they will be involved in site visits, report evaluations, contract uploads, and finance documentation support.

Who Qualifies? The Requirements Explained

The minimum requirements are accessible for most recent graduates. Here is exactly what the department is looking for:

• A recognised three-year Bachelor's Degree, National Diploma, or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• Basic knowledge of data management and reporting
• Basic understanding of EPWP programmes and government structures
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Good organisational and planning skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to work under pressure, travel when required, and work extended hours if necessary

Preference will be given to candidates with zero to two years of relevant work experience and those who have been exposed to training or project support environments. Persons with disabilities are actively encouraged to apply.

One important note for candidates with foreign qualifications: you must obtain SAQA verification of your qualification before you can be considered for appointment.

What Will You Actually Be Doing?

This is not a tea-and-filing role. The DFFE has published a clear list of duties for EPWP Project Support participants. Successful applicants will be expected to:

• Support youth empowerment and development projects across their province
• Evaluate and verify monthly project reports and supporting evidence
• Process invoices and assist with finance documentation
• Coordinate and support the implementation of training programmes
• Upload project information and contracts onto departmental systems
• File and manage project administration documents
• Compile spreadsheet reports and capture project data
• Conduct site visits and assist with project monitoring
• Provide general administrative support within the Directorate

For anyone looking to build a career in environmental governance, public administration, project management, or government finance, this kind of exposure — at a national government department — is genuinely difficult to replicate in the private sector at entry level.

Which Provinces Are Hiring And What Are The Reference Numbers?

The DFFE is recruiting across all nine provinces. You must use the correct reference number for your province when applying — incorrect reference numbers will disqualify your application. If you want to apply for more than one province, you must submit a separate application for each.

How To Apply: Step-By-Step

The application process is straightforward, but the DFFE is strict about what must be submitted. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1 — Prepare Your Documents

• Write and sign an application letter (it must be physically signed)
• Attach a recent, detailed CV (include all qualifications, experience, and contact details)
• Clearly indicate your province, city/town, and reference number in the subject line and letter

Step 2 — Send Your Application

Email your application to: EPS07-EPWP2026@dffe.gov.za
Your email subject line must follow this format exactly:

Application for EPWP Project Support – [Your Reference Number]

Example for Gauteng: Application for EPWP Project Support – EPS23GP/2026

Step 3 — Or Hand-Deliver To Pretoria

If you prefer to submit physically, deliver your application to:
Environment House, Erf 1563 Arcadia Extension 6, Corner Soutpansberg and Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria.
Mark the envelope: Attention: EPWP C,M,R & E

Important Things To Know Before You Apply

The DFFE has been transparent about the terms of this programme. A few things every applicant must understand before submitting:

• "No work, no pay" principle applies — the stipend is only paid for days actually worked
• No transport or accommodation costs will be covered by the department
• Shortlisted candidates will undergo screening and verification checks (including qualification verification)
• The department reserves the right not to make appointments if no suitable candidates are found
• Foreign qualifications must have SAQA verification before appointment
• Submit a separate application if applying for multiple provinces — do not combine them in one email

Is This Worth Applying For?

In a job market where youth unemployment in South Africa remains above 45%, any opportunity that pays a consistent monthly stipend, builds real government experience, and adds a credible name to your CV deserves serious consideration. At R8 800 per month over 12 months, this programme offers a total of R105 600 in stipend income — not life-changing money, but a foundation.

More importantly, EPWP experience inside a national government department opens doors. Former EPWP participants have used the experience to qualify for permanent government posts, bursaries, and further professional training. The contacts you build, the systems you learn, and the reference you earn from a department like the DFFE carry genuine weight.

"The government cannot employ everyone permanently — but it can give people the tools to compete. EPWP is that tool."

If you hold a relevant qualification, have been struggling to find your first real role, and are based in (or willing to relocate to) any of the nine provinces listed, this application should be sitting in your drafts folder right now. The closing date is 29 May 2026. That gives you just over two weeks. Do not let it slip by.

Quick Summary: Everything You Need

• Programme: EPWP Project Support 2026 – Group 07
• Department: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
• Stipend: R8 800 per month
• Duration: 12 months (fixed-term contract)
• Provinces: All 9 provinces of South Africa
• Closing Date: 29 May 2026
• Email: EPS07-EPWP2026@dffe.gov.za
• Requirements: 3-year Degree or National Diploma, computer literacy, organisational skills