The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has opened applications for the Greening Programme 2026 under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
This programme creates short-term work opportunities for unemployed South Africans in environmental maintenance, biodiversity conservation, landscaping, and garden development at National Botanical Gardens across the country.
For youth and job seekers looking for practical work experience, income support, and environmental sector exposure, this is one of the strongest EPWP opportunities currently open in South Africa.
What You Need Before Applying
- South African ID
- Must live within the local municipality of the garden you apply for
- Proof of residence
- Updated CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Completed SANBI application form
- Must be physically fit for outdoor/manual work
- Able to work independently and in a team
- Available for interviews if shortlisted
Programme Overview
- Programme: SANBI Greening Programme 2026
- Organisation: South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Programme Type: Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)
- Closing Date: 30 April 2026 at 16:00
- Location: National Botanical Gardens across South Africa
Contract Period
- Runs until 31 March 2027
Available Positions
Unskilled Participants
- Stipend: R150 per day
- Suitable for applicants without specialised technical skills
Skilled Participants
- Stipend: R200 per day
Applicants with experience in the following may qualify:
- Chainsaw operation
- Brush cutter use
- Herbicide application
- Painting
- Paving
- Bricklaying
- General maintenance
- Construction work
Locations Available
Opportunities are available in multiple provinces:
Gauteng
- Pretoria National Botanical Garden
- Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden (Roodepoort)
- National Zoological Garden (Pretoria)
Limpopo
- Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden
- Mphaphuli Cycad Nature Reserve
- Mokopane BCC
KwaZulu-Natal
- Pietermaritzburg National Botanical Garden
Mpumalanga
- Lowveld National Botanical Garden (Mbombela)
Free State
- Free State National Botanical Garden (Bloemfontein)
Western Cape
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- Harold Porter Botanical Garden
- Karoo Desert Botanical Garden
Northern Cape
- Hantam National Botanical Garden
Eastern Cape
- Kwelera National Botanical Garden
What You Will Do
Participants may assist with:
- Garden and landscape maintenance
- Removing invasive plant species
- Cleaning walkways and public areas
- Tree planting projects
- Conservation support work
- Environmental protection activities
This experience can help build future opportunities in landscaping, conservation, parks management, and environmental services.
Why This Programme Matters
The SANBI Greening Programme is valuable because it offers:
- Daily income support
- Real work experience
- Outdoor practical skills
- Exposure to biodiversity and conservation work
- Better employability for future EPWP and environmental jobs
For many young South Africans, these programmes are an important first step into the labour market.
Who Should Apply
This programme is ideal if you:
- Are currently unemployed
- Need short-term income opportunities
- Enjoy outdoor work
- Want environmental sector experience
- Live near a SANBI garden location
- Want to build practical work skills
How to Apply
Required Documents
Submit:
- Completed SANBI application form
- Updated CV (max 2 pages)
- Proof of residence
Submit Applications By Email
Or Submit By Hand / Post
To the relevant botanical garden office linked to your reference number.
Important Notes
- Use the correct reference number for your location
- Apply before 30 April 2026 at 16:00
- Preference may be given to:
- Women
- Youth
- Persons with disabilities
- If no response within 30 days, consider application unsuccessful
Expert Insight: Why Many Applicants Get Rejected
One common mistake is applying to a garden location where you do not live nearby.
Because preference is given to local municipal residents, many strong applications are rejected for location mismatch.
Pro Tip
Apply only to the SANBI site closest to where you live and attach clear proof of residence. Also keep your CV simple and focused on:
- Manual work experience
- Gardening experience
- Construction or maintenance work
- Reliability and teamwork
- Willingness to work outdoors
This can improve your shortlist chances significantly.
You Can Also Explore
If you are interested in similar opportunities, you can also check:
- Internships in South Africa
- Bursaries for 2026
- Learnership programmes
- Apprenticeships
- Jobs for youth
- Student guides and resources
- Scholarships and funding options
- Fellowship opportunities
These categories help expand your chances of entering the job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need matric to apply?
Not always. Some unskilled positions may not require formal qualifications.
Is this permanent employment?
No. It is a temporary EPWP contract until 31 March 2027.
Can I apply if I live far from the garden?
Preference is usually given to local residents.
How much is the pay?
R150 per day (unskilled) or R200 per day (skilled).
Can youth apply?
Yes. Youth are encouraged to apply.
Closing Date
30 April 2026 at 16:00
Apply early, especially because high-demand EPWP programmes often receive many applications.
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
With a strong commitment to youth empowerment and skills development, Mbalizuke Nkosi oversees the publication of valuable resources covering learnerships, internships, bursaries, scholarships, employment opportunities, and study guidance across South Africa.
Through informative and professionally curated content, YouthScope.co.za aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
For inquiries or support, please contact admin@youthscope.co.za.