Department of Tourism Integrated Service Excellence Programme 2026

Are you an unemployed South African youth looking to gain valuable work experience in the tourism and hospitality industry? The Department of Tourism Integrated Service Excellence Programme 2026 offers an excellent opportunity to build practical skills while earning a monthly stipend of R4,600.

The programme is implemented in partnership with Harambee and SANPARKS and is designed to improve employment opportunities for young people interested in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

Department of Tourism Integrated Service Excellence Programme 2026 Overview

• Employer: Department of Tourism
• Programme: Integrated Service Excellence Programme 2026
• Partners: Harambee and SANPARKS
• Contract Duration: 12 Months
• Monthly Stipend: R4,600 (based on a maximum of 23 days worked per month)
• Closing Date: Apply as soon as possible
• Location: Various participating sites across South Africa

About the Programme

The Department of Tourism is recruiting unemployed youth to participate in its Integrated Service Excellence Programme, a 12-month work opportunity aimed at developing skills in customer service, tourism, hospitality, and visitor experience.

Participants will receive workplace exposure within tourism facilities while gaining practical experience that can improve future employment prospects in South Africa’s tourism industry.

The programme specifically targets unemployed youth living within 30 kilometres of participating sites, surrounding communities, and recognised land claimants.

Monthly Stipend

Successful applicants will receive:

• R4,600 per month
• Stipend is calculated based on a maximum of 23 working days per month

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Have a Grade 12 (Matric) Certificate.
• Submit a certified copy of your South African ID.
• Submit a certified copy of your Matric certificate.
• Provide valid proof of residence, such as:
  • Municipal account
  • Letter from a Traditional/Tribal Authority
  • Other acceptable proof of residence
• Declare in your application letter if you have previously participated in any Department of Tourism learnership or skills development programme.
• Have a passion for tourism, travel, and hospitality.
• Have a clear criminal record.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Matriculants seeking work experience
• Unemployed youth
• Young people interested in tourism careers
• Hospitality and customer service enthusiasts
• Individuals living near participating SANPARKS sites

Participating Locations

Applications are available for the following sites:

• Free State
• Mopani Rest Camp
• Olifants Rest Camp
• Phalaborwa Gate
• Shingwedzi Rest Camp
• Punda Maria Rest Camp
• Marakele National Park

Applicants must live within 30 km of their chosen site.

Documents Required

Before applying, prepare the following:

• Certified copy of your South African ID
• Certified copy of your Grade 12/Matric certificate
• Proof of residence
• Application letter indicating whether you have previously participated in Department of Tourism learnerships or skills programmes

Why You Should Apply

This programme offers valuable workplace exposure in one of South Africa’s most important economic sectors. Participants will develop customer service, communication, and hospitality skills while working in tourism environments managed in partnership with SANPARKS.

If you are passionate about tourism and hospitality and want to improve your employability, this 12-month programme provides an excellent stepping stone towards a long-term career.

Apply as soon as possible, as opportunities are limited and applications may close once all positions have been filled.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply online using the SAYouth links below.

Application Links

Free State
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2099795

Mopani Rest Camp
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097808

Olifants Rest Camp
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097812

Phalaborwa Gate
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097820

Shingwedzi Rest Camp
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097824

Punda Maria Rest Camp
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2097832

Marakele National Park
https://sayouth.mobi/p/yxmkrv78/o/2099791

Closing date: 10 July 2026