SANParks Internship Programme 2026 – Garden Route National Park

The South African National Parks (SANParks) invites applications from unemployed graduates for its Internship Placement Programme 2026. This opportunity is aimed at young South African graduates who want to gain practical workplace experience within a leading conservation organisation.

SANParks is the official conservation authority responsible for managing 20 national parks across South Africa, protecting more than 3.7 million hectares of land, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003).

Internship Overview

• Programme Type: Graduate Internship

• Duration: 12 months

• Location: Garden Route National Park

• Monthly Stipend: R6,355.69

• Reference Number: TNP09

⚠️ Please note: SANParks is under no obligation to offer permanent employment after completion of the internship.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for the SANParks Internship Programme, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be unemployed

• Be aged 18–35 years

• Be a South African citizen

• Have completed a Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma (NQF Level 6 or 7)

• Qualification must be obtained from a South African Public Higher Education Institution (HEI)

• Must not have previously been employed or participated in any internship or placement programme

• Must reside within the Eastern Cape Province

Important Notes for Applicants

• Applicants applying outside their area of residence must arrange their own accommodation and transport

• The internship provides a stipend only, not a salary

• Incomplete applications will not be considered

• Manual (hand-delivered) applications will not be accepted

• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for assessments and interviews

• Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA

• All appointments are subject to verification and pre-screening

• SANParks reserves the right not to make an appointment

Employment Equity

SANParks is committed to Employment Equity.
Preference will be given to Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDI) / Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA).

Documents Required

Applicants must submit all of the following:

• Updated CV

• Certified copy of ID

• Certified copy of Matric / Grade 12 certificate

• Certified copies of academic qualifications

• Academic transcripts / record

Failure to submit all required documents will result in disqualification.

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

Apply using the official SANParks application form:

👉 Online Application Link:
https://forms.office.com/r/LUpYgjNQdT

Step 2: Email Supporting Documents

After completing the online form, email all required documents to:

📧 Email: nomonde.bembe@sanparks.org
📌 Reference Number: TNP09

⚠️ Your application will only be considered complete once both steps are done.

Enquiries

For enquiries related to this internship, contact:

Ms Nomonde Bembe
📞 Tel: 042 281 1557

Closing Date

📅 10 February 2026

❌ No late applications will be accepted.
📭 Applicants not contacted within 14 days after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.

Tip for Applicants

Ensure your documents are clearly certified, your CV is updated, and the reference number TNP09 is included in your email subject line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the SANParks Internship Programme?

The internship is open to unemployed South African graduates between the ages of 18 and 35 who have completed a Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma (NQF Level 6 or 7) from a public South African Higher Education Institution.

2. Is this internship open to people who have worked before?

No. Applicants must not have been previously employed and must not have participated in any internship or placement programme before.

3. Do I need to live in the Eastern Cape to apply?

Yes. Applicants must reside within the Eastern Cape Province to qualify for this internship placement.

4. How long is the SANParks internship?

The internship runs for 12 months (one year).

5. How much is the monthly stipend?

Successful interns will receive a monthly stipend of R6,355.69. This is not a salary and does not include accommodation or transport.

6. Will SANParks employ me after the internship ends?

No. SANParks is not obligated to offer permanent employment after completion of the internship.

7. How do I apply for the internship?

Applicants must complete both steps below:

1. Apply online using the official form:
   https://forms.office.com/r/LUpYgjNQdT

2. Email all required documents to nomonde.bembe@sanparks.org using the reference number TNP09.

8. What documents must I submit?

You must submit:

• Updated CV

• Certified copy of ID

• Certified copy of Matric / Grade 12 certificate

• Certified copies of qualifications

• Academic transcripts (academic record)

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

9. Can I submit a hand-delivered (manual) application?

No. Manual applications will not be accepted. All applications must be submitted online and via email as instructed.

10. What happens if I submit my application late?

Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. Make sure your application is submitted before 10 February 2026.

11. Will I be contacted if my application is unsuccessful?

No. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within 14 days after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

12. Are foreign qualifications accepted?

Yes, but foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA before applying.

13. Where will the internship be based?

The internship will be based at Garden Route National Park.

14. Does SANParks consider Employment Equity?

Yes. SANParks is committed to Employment Equity, and preference will be given to Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDI) / Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA).

15. Who can I contact for more information?

For enquiries, contact:
Ms Nomonde Bembe
📞 042 281 1557