Mpumalanga National Youth Service 2026/27 – 350 Posts, R5,000 Stipend + Trade Test Opportunities

Mpumalanga National Youth Service 2026/27

The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, in partnership with the Department of Employment and Labour, is inviting suitably qualified unemployed young people to apply for the National Youth Service / Building Maintenance Programme.

The programme offers 18-month contracts with a R5,000 monthly stipend and provides youth with practical work experience and skills in building maintenance.

A separate section of the advert also lists Trade Test opportunities for qualified candidates in several construction and technical trades.

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Quick Job Overview

National Youth Service / Building Maintenance Programme

The National Youth Service programme has 350 posts distributed across four Mpumalanga districts:

• Ehlanzeni District: 87 posts
• Bohlabela District: 87 posts
• Gert Sibande District: 88 posts
• Nkangala District: 88 posts

The programme is designed to provide unemployed youth with practical workplace experience and sustainable employment-related skills.

What You Need to Succeed

According to the advert, applicants for the National Youth Service programme must meet the following criteria:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Be unemployed.
• Have a Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science, or the stated equivalent N3 qualifications.
• Alternatively, applicants with the specified NCV Level 3 Engineering qualification may apply.
• Have a South African ID.
• Have an interest in building maintenance and related work.

Available Building Maintenance Sites

The advert lists opportunities at various facilities across Mpumalanga, including:

Ehlanzeni District

Sites include:

• Mbeketu Cost Centre
• Mbombela Cost Centre
• Barberton Hospital
• Rob Ferreira Hospital
• Themba Hospital
• Tonga Cost Centre
• Tonga Hospital
• Shongwe Hospital

Bohlabela District

Sites include:

• Acornhoek Cost Centre
• Malamulele Cost Centre
• Pilgrims Rest
• Mashishing Cost Centre
• Sabie Hospital
• Matibidi Hospital

Nkangala District

Sites include:

• Emalahleni General Hospital
• Middelburg Cost Centre
• Delmas Cost Centre
• Belfast Hospital
• Kwadacha Hospital
• Mkhuhdwa Cost Centre
• Siyabuswa Cost Centre
• Vaalbank Cost Centre
• Mametlake Hospital

Gert Sibande District

The advert lists various offices, hospitals and cost centres, including:

• Elukwatini District Office
• Embhuleni Hospital
• Mayflower Cost Centre
• Carolina Hospital
• Piet Retief Hospital
• Msuukaligazi District Office
• Ermelo
• Ermelo Hospital
• Amersham Hospital/Volksrust
• Elize Ballot Hospital
• Lekwa District Office
• Standerton
• Standerton Hospital
• Greylingstad Cost Centre
• Evander Hospital
• Bethal Hospital

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• Pedros Waitron Job 2026 – New Restaurant Opening in Durban
• City of Ekurhuleni Youth Deeds Brigades 2026 – EPWP Opportunity for Grade 12 Applicants

Trade Test Opportunities

The advert also lists opportunities for candidates who meet the minimum requirements for trade-related positions.

Plumbing

Minimum academic requirement:

• N2 relevant NCV Level 3/4, Technical Grade 12, or equivalent qualification in Plumbing.

Workplace experience:

• 3 years' work experience in plumbing, or
• 18 months' relevant experience where the stated qualification requirements apply.

Electrical

Minimum academic requirement:

• N2 Electrical Engineering or equivalent occupational qualification.

Workplace experience:

• Apprenticeship or approved 3-year practical experience.

Welding

Minimum academic requirement:

• Relevant engineering qualification or occupational certificate.

Workplace experience:

• Apprenticeship or RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) of 3 years' workplace experience.

Bricklaying and Plastering

Minimum academic requirement:

• N2 Certificate, including Mathematics, Engineering Science and the relevant trade subjects, or
• N3 or N4 National Certificate with the relevant technical subjects, or
• NCV Level 3/4 with relevant subjects.

Workplace experience:

• 3 years' work experience in bricklaying and plastering.

Carpentry Module

Minimum academic requirement:

• N2 Certificate including Mathematics, Engineering Science and relevant trade subjects, or
• N3/N4 National Certificate with relevant technical subjects, or
• NCV Level 3/4 with relevant subjects.

Workplace experience:

• 3 years' work experience in carpentry.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

The advert highlights the following:

• Knowledge and interest in the construction sector.
• Basic literacy.
• Communication skills.
• Understanding of departmental policies and procedures.
• Willingness to work in a team.
• Understanding of the National Youth Service Programme.
• Willingness to participate in youth development activities and on-the-job practical training.

Responsibilities

The Building Maintenance programme may involve practical maintenance activities such as:

• Landscaping.
• Painting.
• Bricklaying and plastering.
• Tiling.
• Carpentry.
• Fitting doors, windows and glass.
• Plumbing.
• Electrical work.
• General building maintenance.

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Application Period

Applications are scheduled to open on:

23 September 2026

Applications close on:

7 October 2026 at 10:00

The advert also states that applicants must attend a compulsory one-day briefing session on 19 October 2026.

How to Apply

Applications are handled through the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system.

Applicants should use the relevant ESSA Opportunity Reference for the position/site they are applying for.

The advert provides separate reference numbers for the various sites across Ehlanzeni, Bohlabela, Nkangala and Gert Sibande districts.

Applicants should ensure that their details, education, skills and qualifications are correctly captured when applying.

CLICK ON THIS "CLICK HERE TO APPLY BUTTON, AND REGISTER AS AN INDIVIDUAL, THEN GO TO THE POST ADVERTISED.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Note: The ESSA portal may occasionally display a server or session error. If this happens, try again later or use another browser. Applicants can also visit their nearest Department of Employment and Labour Labour Centre for assistance.

Enquiries

The advert provides district and head-office contacts for enquiries between 08:00 and 16:00.

Head Office:

• Ms BS Bunting – 066 460 0543
• Ms NE Gumede – 013 766 4040 / 078 524 6227

Bohlabela District:

• Ms MG Mokone – 013 773 7833 / 083 470 5989
• Ms ZL Sedibe – 013 766 8570 / 060 963 9403

Nkangala District:

• Ms NP Phakula – 013 947 2331
• Ms LT Silinda – 013 766 8545 / 060 989 1042

Gert Sibande District:

• Ms L Sibanyoni – 017 801 4084 / 063 692 9514
• Mr BP Malala – 013 766 8544 / 076 362 9198

Ehlanzeni District:

• Mr WC Dlamini – 013 762 6044 / 079 311 7515
• Mr ST Thabethe – 076 8543 / 079 023 0921

ESSA Technical Support

• Paul Mathebula – 066 344 0777
• Tebogo Sebothoma – 082 884 3317
• Nokulunga Mkhwanazi – 082 528 5007
• Rahab Mashego – 071 384 3684
• Janita van Niekerk – 072 461 7664

Frequently Asked Questions

How many National Youth Service positions are available?

There are 350 posts in total across the four listed Mpumalanga districts.

How much is the monthly stipend?

The National Youth Service advert states a stipend of R5,000 per month.

How long is the programme?

The National Youth Service / Building Maintenance Programme is an 18-month contract.

What age group can apply?

The programme is aimed at unemployed youth between 18 and 35 years.

When do applications open?

Applications are scheduled for 23 September 2026.

When do applications close?

The closing date shown on the advert is 7 October 2026 at 10:00.

Is there a briefing session?

Yes. The advert states that applicants must attend a compulsory one-day briefing session on 19 October 2026.

Are there Trade Test opportunities?

Yes. The advert lists Trade Test opportunities in Plumbing, Electrical, Welding, Bricklaying and Plastering, and Carpentry Module.

Where are the opportunities located?

The National Youth Service posts are distributed across Ehlanzeni, Bohlabela, Nkangala and Gert Sibande Districts in Mpumalanga.

iYouth Application Tips

• Check the ESSA Opportunity Reference carefully before applying.
• Make sure your qualifications and personal details are correct.
• Apply before the 7 October 2026, 10:00 deadline.
• Keep proof of your application and prepare to attend the compulsory briefing session.

See Also Other Categories:

• Various Government Posts
• General Worker Jobs
• Internship Opportunities
• Learnership Programmes
• Career Advice & Job Search Tips

iYouth Disclaimer

iYouth shares employment opportunities for informational purposes only. We are not the hiring company and do not charge application fees. Always apply through official channels and verify details directly with the employer.

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