The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is inviting applications from unemployed South Africans for its 12-month Learnership Programme 2026. The programme offers 42 learnership opportunities in Nature Conservation Resource Guardianship and Tourism Guiding.
The programme combines structured learning with practical workplace experience through an accredited training provider, leading to a SAQA-accredited qualification. Successful learners will also receive a certificate accredited by CATHSSETA.
If you are looking for learnership opportunities in Mpumalanga, here is everything you need to know about the MTPA Learnership Programme 2026, including the requirements, stipend, locations, closing date and how to apply.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
| Programme | MTPA Learnership Programme 2026 |
| Company | Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) |
| Opportunity Type | Learnership |
| Total Opportunities | 42 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Stipend | R3,500 per month |
| Location | Various MTPA Nature Reserves and stations in Mpumalanga |
| Closing Date | 28 August 2026 at 16:00 |
| Application Method | Hand delivery |
| Email Applications | Not accepted |
About the MTPA Learnership Programme 2026
The MTPA Learnership Programme provides unemployed young South Africans with an opportunity to combine theoretical learning and practical workplace experience.
The 12-month programme is structured around accredited training and practical work experience. On successful completion, learners will receive a certificate accredited by the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA).
The 2026 intake includes opportunities in Nature Conservation Resource Guardianship and Tourism Guiding.
Available Learnership Programmes
1. National Certificate: Nature Conservation Resource Guardianship NQF Level 2
There are 21 opportunities available for the National Certificate: Nature Conservation Resource Guardianship NQF Level 2.
Successful applicants will be placed at nature reserves based on their area of residence.
| Base Station | Allocation |
| Bushbuckridge Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Verloren Valei Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Songimvelo Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Barberton Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Mahushe Shongwe Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Mthethomusha Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Mdala Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Loskop Dam Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Mkhombo Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Mabusa Nature Reserve | 1 |
| SS Skosana Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Manyeleti Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Andover Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve | 1 |
| Total | 21 |
The duration is 12 months, with a stipend of R3,500 per month.
2. Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC): Tourism Guiding NQF Level 2
A further 21 opportunities are available for the FETC: Tourism Guiding NQF Level 2 learnership.
| Base Station | Allocation |
| Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve | 7 |
| Songimvelo Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Barberton Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Loskop Dam Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Manyeleti Nature Reserve | 4 |
| Andover Nature Reserve | 2 |
| Dr Esther Mahlangu and Kgodwana Cultural Village | 2 |
| Total | 21 |
This programme also runs for 12 months and offers a R3,500 monthly stipend.
What You Will Learn / Experience
Successful learners will receive a combination of structured theoretical learning and practical workplace exposure.
Depending on the programme selected, learners can expect experience related to:
- Nature conservation
- Resource guardianship
- Tourism
- Tourism guiding
- Practical outdoor work
- Working in nature reserves
- Workplace-based learning
- Structured theoretical training
- Practical skills relevant to the tourism and conservation sectors
Applicants should be comfortable with outdoor and practical work, as this is specifically highlighted in the qualifying criteria.
Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an unemployed South African.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Reside in Mpumalanga Province.
- Provide valid proof of residence.
- Not currently be studying at a tertiary institution.
- Not be registered for or have participated in another learnership.
- Be interested in working outdoors and performing practical work.
- Submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Provide a copy of their ID.
- Provide a Grade 12 certificate.
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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Who Can Apply?
The MTPA Learnership Programme 2026 is aimed at unemployed South Africans aged 18 to 35 who reside in Mpumalanga.
Applicants should not be studying at a tertiary institution or be registered for or have participated in another learnership.
Because the programme involves practical work, applicants should also have an interest in outdoor work and practical activities.
Applicants should carefully check the official advertisement and ensure they meet all the qualifying criteria before applying.
Stipend
Successful learners will receive a stipend of R3,500 per month.
The learnership programme has a duration of 12 months.
Location
The opportunities are available at various MTPA Nature Reserves and stations across Mpumalanga Province.
Applicants will be placed at a base station based on their area of residence, with available opportunities distributed across the listed nature reserves and tourism locations.
How to Apply
To apply for the MTPA Learnership Programme 2026, applicants must prepare the required documents and submit their applications by hand.
Applications can be submitted to:
- The nearest MTPA station or nature reserve, or
- The MTPA Head Office at N4 National Road, Hall’s Gateway, Mataffin, Security Gate.
Applicants should include:
- An application letter clearly indicating which programme they are applying for.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Grade 12 certificate.
- Valid proof of residence.
- Copy of ID.
Important: The application letter must clearly state the programme the applicant is applying for, such as Nature Conservation Resource Guardianship or Tourism Guiding.
Late applications and emailed applications will NOT be considered.
Documents You Need to Submit
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Application letter
- Updated CV
- Grade 12 certificate
- Valid proof of residence
- Copy of ID
Make sure all required documents are included before submitting the application.
Closing Date
The closing date for the MTPA Learnership Programme 2026 is 28 August 2026 at 16:00.
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline. Late applications will not be considered.
The MTPA has also stated that emailed applications will not be considered.
Important Information for Applicants
Applicants should carefully follow the MTPA’s application instructions and submit their applications through the specified hand-delivery channels.
Do not send your application by email, as the advertisement specifically states that emailed applications will not be considered.
The MTPA also states that if applicants do not receive communication within three months after the closing date, they should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
Correspondence will only be limited to shortlisted candidates.
For enquiries, applicants can contact:
- Ms Bridget Mondlane: 013-065 0686
- Ms Funeka Nkosi: 013-065 0677
- Ms Ngobile Ngomane: 013-065 0677
Why This Opportunity Is Worth Considering
The MTPA Learnership Programme 2026 could be a valuable opportunity for unemployed young people in Mpumalanga who want to build experience in nature conservation or tourism.
The programme combines structured learning with practical workplace experience and provides a monthly stipend of R3,500 for 12 months.
It can also provide learners with an accredited qualification and practical exposure that may strengthen their CVs and support future career opportunities in the conservation and tourism sectors.
However, completing a learnership does not automatically guarantee permanent employmentunless this is specifically stated by the organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MTPA Learnership Programme 2026 open for applications?
Yes. MTPA is inviting applications from eligible unemployed South Africans for its 12-month learnership programme.
How many learnership opportunities are available?
There are 42 opportunities in total: 21 for Nature Conservation Resource Guardianship and 21 for Tourism Guiding.
How much is the MTPA learnership stipend?
Successful learners will receive a R3,500 monthly stipend.
What qualifications are offered?
The opportunities include:
- National Certificate: Nature Conservation Resource Guardianship NQF Level 2
- FETC: Tourism Guiding NQF Level 2
Who can apply?
Unemployed South Africans aged 18 to 35 who reside in Mpumalanga and meet the other qualifying criteria can apply.
Where will learners be placed?
Learners will be placed at various MTPA Nature Reserves and stations, based on their area of residence and the available allocations.
What is the closing date?
Applications close on 28 August 2026 at 16:00.
Can I apply by email?
No. The advertisement states that emailed applications will not be considered. Applications must be hand delivered to the nearest MTPA station/nature reserve or the MTPA Head Office.
How do I apply?
Prepare your application letter, CV, Grade 12 certificate, proof of residence and ID copy, then hand deliver the application to the nearest MTPA station/nature reserve or the MTPA Head Office.
Final Thoughts
The MTPA Learnership Programme 2026 offers 42 opportunities for unemployed young South Africans in Mpumalanga who are interested in developing skills in nature conservation and tourism.
With a 12-month duration, R3,500 monthly stipend and accredited training, the programme can provide valuable practical experience and recognised learning.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your documents early and submit your application before 28 August 2026 at 16:00. Remember that late and emailed applications will not be considered.