The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) in Mpumalanga is inviting South African women, youth, and persons with disabilities, aged 16–65, to apply for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) for 2025–2027.

Announced on April 25, 2025, this initiative offers temporary work opportunities across various districts to support poverty alleviation and skill development. Applications are open until 29 April 2025.
About DARDLEA and the EPWP
DARDLEA is dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture, rural development, and environmental management in Mpumalanga. The EPWP, a national government programme, provides short-term employment and training to unemployed individuals, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Through this programme, DARDLEA aims to reduce unemployment, alleviate poverty, and equip participants with practical experience in agriculture, environmental management, and rural development.
Available Positions
DARDLEA is offering a wide range of EPWP roles across Bohlabela, Nkangala, Gert Sibande, Ehlanzeni, and Head Office in Mpumalanga, spanning multiple sectors:
Bohlabela District
- District Directors Office: 1x Admin Assistant, 2x Cleaners (Corporate Services), 4x General Workers
- Producer Support Services: 1x Admin Assistant, 4x Site Keepers (Security), 12x Farm Workers, 4x Cleaners
- Agricultural Producer Support Development: 5x Assistant Mechanics, 3x Mechanics, 16x Site Keepers, 12x Tractor Drivers
- Environmental Employment: 3x Groundsmen, 1x Food Service Aid, 4x Cleaners, 1x Admin Assistant
- Veterinary Services: 4x Animal Health Technicians, 1x Cleaner, 3x Dieptank Assistants
Nkangala District
- Producer Support Services: 1x Admin Assistant (District Directors Office), 1x Switchboard Operator, 7x Cleaners, 1x Driver/Messenger, 6x Site Keepers, 1x Admin Assistant (Asset), 1x Admin Assistant (Transport)
- Veterinary Services: 1x Admin Assistant, 1x Animal Health Technician, 2x Cleaners, 2x Dieptank Assistants, 1x Vet Assistant
- Environmental Employment: 6x Mechanics, 25x Site Keepers, 11x Tractor Drivers, 5x Food Garden Service
- Rural Development: 5x Groundsmen, 5x Cleaners, 2x Admin Assistants
Gert Sibande District
- Producer Support Services: 1x Admin Assistant (District Directors Office), 3x Cleaners (HR), 3x Cleaners, 1x Groundsman, 15x Site Keepers, 1x Switchboard Operator, 1x Admin Assistant, 7x General Workers
- Veterinary Services: 3x Animal Health Technicians, 1x Cleaner, 3x Admin Assistants, 1x Lab Assistant
- Environmental Employment: 2x Groundsmen, 4x Cleaners, 2x Admin Assistants
Ehlanzeni District
- Producer Support Services: 3x Cleaners, 2x Cleaners, 1x Admin Assistant (District Directors Office), 1x Admin Assistant (Financial Services), 100x Farm Workers (Senteeko)
- Crop Research (Soil Lab): 1x Lab Assistant
- Vegetable and Herb Development: 5x Farm Aid/General Assistants
- Aquaculture & Game Development: 1x Admin Assistant
- Infrastructure Support Services: 4x Farm Aid/General Assistants, 6x Cleaners, 6x Site Keepers
- Veterinary Services: 4x Animal Health Technicians, 1x Admin Assistant
- Environmental Employment: 3x Assistant Mechanics, 3x Mechanics, 6x Site Keepers, 20x Tractor Drivers
- Economics: 4x Admin Assistants, 1x Admin Assistant (MIFPM), 2x Cleaners (MIFPM), 2x Groundsmen (MIFPM), 5x Garden Assistants (MIFPM)
- Sustainable Resource (Engineering, Landcare, Disaster Management): 1x Admin Assistant (each)
- Rural Development: 10x Site Keepers, 2x Cleaners
Head Office
- Veterinary Services: 1x Driver/Messenger, 1x Groundsman
- Agricultural Producer Support Development:
- 1x Admin Assistant (PKM), 1x Admin Assistant (EAS), 2x Cleaners, 2x Switchboard Operators, 18x Secretaries (Admin Assistants), 4x Data Capturers (EPWP Office), 2x Admin Assistants (Security), 8x Data Capturers (Security)
- PKM: 8x Assistant Mechanics, 8x Mechanics, 19x Site Keepers, 29x Tractor Drivers, 100x Food Garden Service
Zond’Insila Programme
DARDLEA also invites formalized waste pickers/cooperatives across Mpumalanga to participate in the Zond’Insila Programme under the EPWP, running until 31 March 2027. This initiative focuses on environmental employment, particularly waste management, to promote sustainability and community upliftment.
Who Qualifies?
- South African citizens aged 16–65.
- Women, youth, and persons with disabilities are prioritized.
- Unemployed individuals with limited skills or work experience.
- Willingness to perform manual labour, administrative tasks, or community-based work.
- Candidates who have previously participated in an EPWP programme with any government or parastatal will not be considered.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted manually—emailed applications will not be accepted. Follow these steps:
- Download the Z83 Form here:
- Prepare Your Documents:
- Comprehensive CV.
- Certified copies of your South African ID and qualifications (e.g., Grade 10 or higher, if applicable).
- Submit Your Application:
- Applications must quote the relevant Workstation as the reference number (e.g., “Admin Assistant – Bohlabela District Directors Office”).
- Submit your application by hand delivery or post to the following addresses:
- Head Office: Director: HRM&D, Samora Machel Building, Private Bag X 11219, Riverside Park, Mbombela 1200
- Ehlanzeni District Office: District Director, Block 4, Aqua Street, P.O. Box 266, Riverside Park, Mbombela 1200
- Gert Sibande District Office: District Director, 44 Church Street, Private Bag X 9071, Ermelo 2350
- Nkangala District Office: District Director, Building 16, Government Complex, Private Bag X 4017, KwaMhlanga 1260
- Bohlabela District Office: District Director, 101 Main Road, Private Bag X 1321, Thulamahashe 1365
- Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 29 April 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
Note: Download the full advert for additional details: EXPANDED PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME (EPWP) 2025.
Enquiries
For further information, contact the following DARDLEA representatives:
- Head Office: Ms SC Setipe (013 766 6205) or Ms T Lukhele (013 766 6067/8)
- Nkangala District Office: Ms BM Mahlangu (013 010 2028)
- Ehlanzeni District Office: Ms HM Sekoma (013 759 4000)
- Gert Sibande District Office: Mr RS Mhlongo (017 819 2076)
- Bohlabela District Office: Ms O Ndlovu (013 773 1192)
Why Join the DARDLEA EPWP?
- Temporary Income: Earn a stipend (typically R13.97 per hour, based on 2025 EPWP rates) while gaining work experience.
- Skill Development: Receive on-the-job training in areas like agriculture, environmental management, and administration.
- Community Impact: Contribute to rural development, food security, and environmental sustainability in Mpumalanga.
- Inclusivity: Opportunities are tailored for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, ensuring broader access to employment.
Take Action Now
The application window closes on 29 April 2025—don’t miss out! If you’re an unemployed South African aged 16–65, particularly a woman, youth, or person with a disability, this is your chance to gain valuable experience with DARDLEA’s EPWP. Prepare your documents, download the Z83 form, and submit your application to the relevant district office today.
For waste pickers/cooperatives, the Zond’Insila Programme offers a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainability efforts until March 2027. Act now and start your journey with DARDLEA in 2025!