Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is offering a Graduate Development Programme for 2026, giving unemployed graduates in KwaZulu-Natal the opportunity to gain practical workplace experience inside one of South Africa’s leading conservation organisations.
The programme runs for 36 months and places graduates in departments that support wildlife conservation, research, tourism operations, finance management and technology services. Successful candidates will work across various Ezemvelo offices in KwaZulu-Natal while developing professional skills needed for long-term careers.
Applications close on 13 March 2026.
Programme Structure
The Ezemvelo Graduate Development Programme is designed to help young professionals transition from academic study into the workplace.
Participants are placed within operational departments where they gain real experience while working alongside experienced professionals.
Programme duration: 36 months
Location: Various Ezemvelo offices across KwaZulu-Natal
Contract type: Fixed-term graduate programme
Monthly stipend: R5 500 to R7 000 depending on qualification level
The programme focuses on building skills in conservation management, environmental research, tourism services, finance administration and information technology.
Graduate Fields Available
Several graduate placements are available across Ezemvelo’s operational departments.
Internal Audit
Location: Head Office – Queen Elizabeth Park
Qualification: National Diploma in Internal Auditing
NQF Level: 6
Positions: 1
Information Technology
Location: Head Office
Qualification: National Diploma in Information Technology
NQF Level: 6
Positions: 1
Communication Services
Location: Head Office
Qualification: National Diploma or Degree in Web Development or Computer Science
NQF Level: 6 to 7
Positions: 1
Scientific Services – Ecological Advice
Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
Qualification:
BSc Biological Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Environmental Management
Zoology
Marine Biology
NQF Level: 7
Positions: 1
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Qualification:
BSc Honours in Ecological Science
Biological Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Zoology
Botany
Environmental Management
NQF Level: 8
Positions: 1
Finance – Asset Management
Location: Head Office
Qualification: National Diploma in Accounting or BCom with Accounting Major
NQF Level: 6 to 7
Positions: 1
Finance – Financial Services
Location: Head Office
Qualification:
BCom Degree
Advanced Diploma in Accounting
Honours in Accounting
Financial Management
NQF Level: 7 to 8
Positions: 1
Supply Chain Management
Location: Head Office
Qualification: National Diploma in
Public Management
Public Administration
Business Management
Financial Management
NQF Level: 6
Positions: 1
Commercial Services
Location: Regional Offices
Qualification: National Diploma in
Tourism
Ecotourism Management
Hospitality Management
NQF Level: 6
Positions: 2
Who Can Apply
The internship programme targets graduates who want to build careers in conservation, environmental science, tourism and public sector services.
Applicants must meet the following requirements.
- Be an unemployed graduate from KwaZulu-Natal
- Be 45 years old or younger
- Be a South African citizen
- Hold a qualification relevant to the listed fields
- Have at least two years of relevant experience
- Have a valid driver’s licence
- Be available for the full 36-month programme
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents when applying.
- Copy of South African ID
- Educational qualifications
- Comprehensive CV
- Valid driver’s licence
Certified documents will only be requested from shortlisted candidates.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted by email or hand delivery.
Email applications to ayanda.ngubane@kznwildlife.com
Hand deliver applications to:
Queen Elizabeth Park Reception
1 Peter Brown Drive
Montrose
Pietermaritzburg
Enquiries
Contact person: Ms A Ngubane
Telephone: 033 330 7120
Application Deadline
Applications close on 13 March 2026.
Late applications will not be considered.