Umhlosinga Development Agency Opens Graduate Internships and In-Service Training Opportunities (2025–2027)

eduwizy2 days ago

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Starting a career is one of the biggest challenges young South Africans face today. You study hard, complete your qualification, and then find yourself hitting the same frustrating wall: “experience required.” But how do you gain experience without a job, and how do you land a job without experience?

This is precisely the problem that the Umhlosinga Development Agency is trying to solve. With the launch of its Graduate Internship and In-Service Training Programmes for 2025–2027, the agency is providing ambitious graduates and N6 students in KwaZulu-Natal with the opportunity to gain real-world workplace experience while contributing to local development projects.

About the Programme

The programme is set to run for 18 months, providing both graduate internships and in-service training placements. In total, there are six positions available:

Three at the Mtubatuba Offices
Three at the Mkuze Airport

Each successful candidate will receive a monthly stipend of R5 000. While the stipend isn’t huge, it’s a meaningful boost for young people who might otherwise have to complete unpaid training. More importantly, it provides peace of mind while learners focus on building their careers.

This initiative also reflects Umhlosinga’s broader mission: to strengthen youth empowerment and skills development in the Umkhanyakude District, ensuring that young people aren’t just qualified on paper but are truly job-ready.

Graduate Internship Stream

The Graduate Internship Programme is tailored for young professionals who have already completed a Degree or a University National Diploma. It covers a wide range of fields, including:

Business Management
Financial Management
Project Management
Tourism Management
Public Management or Public Administration
Aviation / Transport or Logistics

Interns will not only gain technical knowledge but also learn the soft skills — like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication — that employers value just as much. By the end of the 18 months, participants will have a strong foundation to step into sustainable career opportunities, whether in government, private business, or community development projects.

In-Service Training Stream

For students who have completed their N6 qualification but need workplace exposure to graduate, the In-Service Training stream is the perfect fit. Eligible fields include:

Financial Management
Business Management
Project Management
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering

This stream is vital because many N6 graduates find themselves stuck without the practical training required to receive their diplomas. Through structured mentorship, learners will finally be able to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real industry practice.

Why This Matters

Opportunities like this are crucial in a country where youth unemployment is so high. For many young people, the challenge is not education but a lack of opportunity. The Umhlosinga programme tackles this issue head-on by:

Creating pathways to employment through practical exposure
Giving participants the chance to earn while they learn (R5 000 monthly stipend)
Strengthening local capacity by training people who live within the district
Encouraging graduates to stay and contribute to the growth of their own communities

It’s not just about meeting graduation requirements. It’s about developing confidence, professionalism, and networks that can last a lifetime.

How to Apply

Applications should be addressed to Ms. Thembisile Khumalo, CEO of Umhlosinga Development Agency. Candidates can apply in one of two ways:

Hand Delivery
Lot 5/202, Corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Aloe, Mtubatuba, 3935

Post
Umhlosinga Development Agency
P.O. Box 367
St Lucia, 3936

Your application must include:

A motivation letter, quoting the reference number of the position
A comprehensive CV with three contactable references
Certified copies of your ID, driver’s license, proof of residence, and qualifications

Only candidates who meet the requirements will be considered. Preference will be given to applicants residing in the Umkhanyakude District, as the programme aims to uplift local youth.

Full PDF Here; INTERNSHIP-ADVERT PDF