Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Recruiting 162 EPWP Contract Workers (2026)
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has officially announced the recruitment of 162 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Contract Workers as part of its ongoing agricultural support and disease control initiatives.
This employment opportunity is aimed at unemployed South African citizens who are interested in gaining valuable government work experience while contributing to rural development and animal health services. The programme forms part of the department’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) control campaign, which focuses on protecting livestock and strengthening agricultural sustainability across affected districts.
These EPWP positions provide short-term employment opportunities with competitive daily stipends and practical workplace exposure.
📍 Location
Province: KwaZulu-Natal
Various District Service Centres
📅 Closing Date
11 March 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date, as late submissions will not be considered.
💼 Available EPWP Positions
The department is recruiting candidates across three different occupational categories:
1. EPWP Data Capturer (80 Positions)
Reference Number: EPWP 02/2026
Daily Stipend: R400 per day
Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 12 (Matric certificate)
- No previous work experience required
- Basic computer literacy
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to capture and manage data accurately
Key Responsibilities:
- Capturing livestock and campaign-related information
- Maintaining accurate electronic records
- Supporting monitoring and reporting activities
- Assisting field teams with administrative data processes
This role is ideal for young graduates or unemployed youth seeking administrative experience within government operations.
2. EPWP Administration Clerk (22 Positions)
Reference Number: EPWP 03/2026
Daily Stipend: R400 per day
Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 12 qualification
- No experience required
- Basic administrative and organizational skills
- Computer literacy
- Good communication skills
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing office administration support
- Filing and document management
- Assisting with correspondence and reports
- Supporting departmental officials during programme implementation
The Administration Clerk position offers practical exposure to public sector administration and office management.
3. EPWP Animal Health Technician (60 Positions)
Reference Number: EPWP 01/2026
Daily Stipend: R500 per day
Minimum Requirements:
- National Diploma in Animal Health (NQF Level 6)
- Registration with the South African Veterinary Council
- Valid driver’s licence
- 1–2 years post-qualification experience
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting Foot-and-Mouth Disease control operations
- Conducting livestock inspections
- Assisting vaccination and monitoring programmes
- Providing animal health awareness to farming communities
- Supporting veterinary services in affected districts
This position is suited for qualified professionals seeking field experience within government agricultural programmes.
🧾 Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following:
- Completed New Z83 Application Form (effective from 01 January 2021)
- Updated and comprehensive CV
- Clearly indicate the reference number of the position applied for
- Ensure all sections of the Z83 form are completed, signed, and initialled
Certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents will only be requested from shortlisted candidates.
📩 How to Apply
Applicants may submit applications using the following methods:
Email Applications
Send your signed Z83 form and CV to:
Hand Delivery or Courier Submission
Applications may also be delivered to:
- South Service Centre – 4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton
- North Service Centre – Corner of Via Verbena & Loop Street, Richards Bay
- Head Office – 01 Cedara Road, Pietermaritzburg
Applicants should submit only one application per reference number.
✅ Important Notes
- Late applications will not be accepted.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- If you do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
- These opportunities are offered under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and are contract-based positions.
🌱 Why Apply for the EPWP Programme?
The EPWP initiative plays an important role in reducing unemployment while improving service delivery in communities. Successful candidates will benefit from:
- Government work experience
- Monthly income through daily stipends
- Skills development and workplace exposure
- Contribution to national agricultural protection programmes
- Enhanced employability for future opportunities
Participants also gain valuable insight into public service operations and agricultural disease management systems, which are critical to South Africa’s food security.
👩🌾 Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is suitable for:
- Unemployed youth
- Recent matriculants
- Entry-level job seekers
- Administration and data capturing candidates
- Qualified Animal Health graduates
- Individuals interested in agriculture and rural development
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development EPWP recruitment drive represents an excellent opportunity for unemployed South Africans to gain meaningful employment while supporting livestock health and rural economic stability.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before the closing date.