The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is seeking dedicated individuals for 231 Assistant Agricultural Practitioner positions across seven provinces in South Africa. This three-year fixed-term contract offers a unique opportunity to support sustainable agricultural development and empower farmers in various communities.
Post Details
- Post Title: Assistant Agricultural Practitioner
- Reference Numbers:
- Free State: FSDARD01/2025
- Gauteng: GDARD2025/01
- KwaZulu-Natal: KZNDARD01/2025
- Mpumalanga: MPDARD01/2025
- Northern Cape: NCDARD01/2025
- North-West: NWDARD01/07/2025
- Western Cape: WCDARD01/2025
- Total Posts: 231
- Salary: R193,359 per annum (plus 37% in lieu of benefits)
- Contract Type: Three (3) years fixed-term contract
- Placement: According to the allocated number of posts per province
Locations
The positions are distributed across the following provinces:
- Free State: 36 Posts
- Gauteng: 44 Posts
- KwaZulu-Natal: 34 Posts
- Mpumalanga: 52 Posts
- Northern Cape: 30 Posts
- North-West: 21 Posts
- Western Cape: 14 Posts
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: Three-year Diploma in Agriculture (NQF Level 6 or higher)
- Registration: Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)
- Experience: No experience required
- Driver’s License: Valid Code B driver’s license
- Knowledge, Competencies, and Skills:
- Knowledge of extension methodology
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Basic reporting skills
- Basic public speaking skills
- Understanding of group dynamics
- Ability to communicate effectively with clients and farmers
- Willingness to physically visit farms or projects in allocated areas
Duties
Successful candidates will be responsible for:
- Providing general agricultural advice to internal and external clients for sustainable development
- Demonstrating farming methods to ensure efficient resource utilization (e.g., soil, water, veld, finances)
- Organizing farmers’ days, information sessions, and farm visits
- Using visitation tools for impact assessment and developing farm business plans
- Sourcing technical and functional input from specialists as needed
- Providing information on financial assistance to clients
- Supporting agricultural projects, food security initiatives, and land development programs
- Facilitating training, aftercare, and capacity building for farmers
- Mobilizing interest groups to form entities or institutions
- Organizing meetings to identify training needs
- Facilitating the development and implementation of business plans
- Establishing and reviving inactive projects
- Promoting sustainable production and partnerships with agricultural stakeholders
- Gathering and analyzing data, conducting extension surveys, and identifying problem areas
- Facilitating the establishment of cooperatives, farmers’ associations, and interest groups
- Supporting the implementation of best practices, technologies, and trends
- Evaluating the effectiveness of production systems
- Maintaining an up-to-date farmer database and submitting monthly/quarterly reports
- Complying with Public Service prescripts, departmental policies, and procedures
- Safekeeping physical assets (where applicable)
Application Process
To apply, follow the province-specific instructions below. Ensure you reference the correct post and province in your application.
- Free State:
- Enquiries: Ms NF Ngulube at (079) 228 1042
- Submission: Email to recruitment@dard.gov.za (Attention: Ms S Hlekiso) or hand-deliver to Admin Building, 1st Floor, Room 228, Glen College of Agriculture, Glen (Attention: Ms S Hlekiso).
- Gauteng:
- Enquiries: Ms Gugu Nevondo at 072 756 5262
- Submission: Apply online at http://professionaljobcentre.gov.za or hand-deliver to Ground Floor, Main Entrance, 56 Eloff Street, Umnotho House, Johannesburg.
- KwaZulu-Natal:
- Enquiries: Mr NL Ntshangase at (033) 343 8133 or Mrs RN Ndwandwe at (033) 343 8498
- Submission: Email to kznjobssouth@dard.gov.za or hand-deliver to Cedara Office Reception (01 Cedara Road, Pietermaritzburg), South Service Centre Offices (4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton), or North Service Office (Lot 11634, Corner of Verbena and Aloe Loop Street, Veld ‘n Vlei, Richards Bay).
- Mpumalanga:
- Enquiries: Ms S.P Shongwe at (013) 766 6003 or Ms N.E Hlatshwayo at (013) 766 6110
- Submission:
- Head Office: Hand-deliver or post to Director: Human Resource Management & Development, Samora Machel Building, Private Bag X 11219, Riverside Park, Mbombela, 1200, or email to dardlearecruitment-ho@mpg.gov.za.
- Ehlanzeni District: Hand-deliver or post to District Director, Block 4, Aqua Street, PO Box 266, Riverside Park, Mbombela, 1200, or email to dardlearecruitment-ehls@mpg.gov.za.
- Bohlabela District: Hand-deliver or post to District Director, 101 Main Road, Private Bag X1321, Thulamahashe, 1365, or email to dardlearecruitment-ehln@mpg.gov.za.
- Gert Sibande District: Hand-deliver or post to District Director, 44 Church Street, Private Bag X 9071, Ermelo, 2350, or email to dardlearecruitment-gs@mpg.gov.za.
- Nkangala District: Hand-deliver or post to District Director, Ebhudlweni Building, Government Complex, Private Bag X 4017, KwaMhlanga, 1022, or email to dardlearecruitment-nka@mpg.gov.za.
- Northern Cape:
- Enquiries: Ms L. Phayane at (067) 166 2580
- Submission: Email to blommiejacobs@ncpg.gov.za or tpika@ncpg.gov.za, or post to Private Bag X5018, Kimberley, 8301, or hand-deliver to 162 George Street, Kimberley, 8301.
- North-West:
- Enquiries: Ms K Modiegi at (018) 384 3134
- Submission: Email to Dardrecruitment-HO@nwpg.gov.za (Attention: Ms Keneilwe Modiegi) or hand-deliver to Director Human Resource Management, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Office (Training Centre Building), Corner Onkgopotse Tiro Road, Mmabatho.
- Western Cape:
- Enquiries: Mr JD Aries at (021) 808 5103
- Submission: Apply online at www.westerncape.gov.za/jobs or https://westerncapegov.erecruit.co.
Important Notes
- Closing Date: 15 August 2025 at 16:00. No late applications will be considered.
- Application Requirements:
- Submit a completed and signed Z83 Form (available from any Public Service Department or https://www.dpsa.gov.za/newsroom/psvc/) and a detailed Curriculum Vitae.
- Certified copies of Identity Document, Grade 12 Certificate, qualifications, SACNASP registration, and driver’s license are required only from shortlisted candidates on or before the interview date.
- Foreign qualifications must include an evaluation report from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- Additional Information:
- Candidates must apply within their own province and indicate their province of preference.
- Preference will be given to youth, women, and people living with disabilities.
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo a practical assessment and an integrity (Ethical Conduct) assessment, which will be scored as part of the interview process.
- Successful candidates will undergo security vetting, reference checks (including social media profiles), and must sign an employment contract and performance agreement.
- Applicants must declare any conflicts of interest or memberships in boards/directorships.
- The Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process or not fill positions due to moratoriums, restructuring, or reorganization.
- Personal information will be handled in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and used solely for recruitment purposes.
Why Join Us?
As an Assistant Agricultural Practitioner, you will play a vital role in promoting sustainable agriculture, supporting farmers, and enhancing food security. This position offers:
- A competitive salary with additional benefits
- Opportunities to work closely with farmers and communities
- A chance to contribute to agricultural development and innovation
Closing Note
Join the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a meaningful impact on South Africa’s agricultural sector. Submit your application before the closing date of 15 August 2025 and take the first step toward a rewarding career in public service!
