The Department of Tourism, together with South African National Parks (SANParks), is inviting unemployed young South Africans to apply for the Tourism Monitors Programme 2026/27.
The programme is available across all nine provinces of South Africa, giving eligible youth an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience in tourism-related environments.
Applications close on 30 September 2026.
The programme may be particularly relevant to young people with Matric who are interested in tourism, hospitality, customer service, conservation and working with visitors. People with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.
Tourism Monitors Programme 2026/27
The Tourism Monitors Programme is designed to provide unemployed young people with practical experience while supporting participating tourism sites.
Successful participants may work in environments where they interact with visitors and assist with tourism-related activities. Depending on the placement, the experience can include exposure to visitor assistance, customer service, tourism information and conservation environments.
The programme is being implemented nationally across all nine provinces.
Tourism Monitors Programme 2026/27: Quick Details
| Programme detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Tourism Monitors Programme 2026/27 |
| Department | Department of Tourism |
| Partner | South African National Parks (SANParks) |
| Job type | Fixed-term |
| Stipend rate | R200 per unit of work |
| Advertised monthly amount | R4,600 |
| Maximum work | 23 days per month |
| Age requirement | 18 to 35 years |
| Qualification | Matric |
| Location | All nine provinces |
| Closing date | 30 September 2026 |
| Application method | Online via SA Youth |
Applicants should read the full requirements carefully before applying, particularly the conditions relating to residence, availability and supporting documents.
Who Can Apply for the Tourism Monitors Programme?
The opportunity is aimed at unemployed South African youth who meet the programme’s requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Have a Matric Certificate.
- Have a certified copy of their South African ID.
- Provide proof of residence when required.
- Have a clear criminal record.
- Have an interest in tourism, hospitality and customer service.
- Be willing to work flexible hours.
- Be available to work weekends.
- Be willing to work on public holidays when required.
- Be available to work after normal working hours when necessary.
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Applicants who previously participated in a Department of Tourism learnership or skills development programme should declare this information during the application process.
Your Residential Address Is Important
One of the key conditions applicants should pay attention to is the residence requirement.
Applicants must live within a 30-kilometre radius of participating sites and surrounding communities and land claimants.
This means applicants should not rely only on meeting the age and Matric requirements. Their residential location also needs to meet the programme’s conditions.
The Department of Tourism advises applicants to ensure that their SA Youth profile contains their exact residential address.
Before applying, check your profile carefully and make sure the address is current and accurate.
How Much Does the Tourism Monitor Programme Pay?
The advertised rate is R200 per unit of work, with a maximum of 23 days of work per month.
The programme information gives an advertised monthly amount of R4,600 based on the maximum 23 days.
This should not be confused with a permanent employee salary. The payment is linked to the programme’s approved units or days of work and its payment arrangements.
What Will Tourism Monitors Do?
The exact duties may vary according to the participating tourism site and the needs of the placement.
Tourism Monitors may gain practical exposure to areas including:
- Tourism services
- Visitor assistance
- Customer service
- Hospitality
- Tourism information
- Conservation environments
- Tourism safety
- General support at participating tourism sites
Previous Tourism Monitor programmes have included activities such as assisting visitors, providing information about tourism attractions, supporting visitor safety and reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities.
Participants may interact with both local and international visitors, making communication and public-facing skills relevant to the role.
Gain Practical Workplace Experience
For unemployed young people, workplace exposure can provide an opportunity to develop practical skills in a real working environment.
Depending on their placement and responsibilities, Tourism Monitors may develop experience in areas such as:
- Communication
- Customer service
- Teamwork
- Working with members of the public
- Tourism-related services
- Visitor assistance
- Workplace responsibility
The experience can also give participants a better understanding of how tourism sites operate.
Be Prepared to Work Flexible Hours
Applicants should understand that tourism work may not follow a standard Monday-to-Friday schedule.
Tourism attractions can receive visitors during weekends, public holidays and other busy periods.
Successful applicants must therefore be prepared to work:
- Flexible hours
- Weekends
- Public holidays
- After normal working hours when required
Applicants should consider these requirements before applying.
Fitness Assessment May Be Required
Shortlisted applicants should also be prepared for a possible fitness assessment.
The assessment may include activities such as:
- A 2.4-kilometre run
- 25 push-ups and/or 25 sit-ups within the required time
The exact assessment requirements will be communicated to shortlisted candidates during the recruitment process.
Successful candidates will also need to complete a medical fitness assessment conducted by a registered medical practitioner.
Interviews and Criminal Record Checks
Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed as part of the recruitment process.
Successful candidates will also undergo criminal record checks.
Applicants should ensure that all information provided during the application and recruitment process is accurate and truthful.
Documents Applicants May Need
Shortlisted applicants should be prepared to provide the required supporting documents.
These may include:
- Certified copy of your Matric Certificate
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Proof of residence
Proof of residence may include documentation showing the applicant’s residential address, such as a municipal bill, a letter from a tribal authority or another relevant document.
A bank statement showing the residential address may also be accepted.
Having these documents ready can help applicants respond promptly if they are shortlisted.
Who Is the Tourism Monitors Programme Suitable For?
The opportunity may be relevant to young South Africans who:
- Are currently unemployed.
- Are aged between 18 and 35.
- Have completed Matric.
- Enjoy communicating with and assisting people.
- Are interested in tourism.
- Have an interest in hospitality or conservation.
- Want practical workplace experience.
- Can work flexible hours.
- Are available on weekends and public holidays.
- Live close enough to a participating site.
Applicants should still check the full programme requirements before submitting an application.
Checklist Before You Apply
Before applying, check the following:
- You are a South African citizen.
- You are between 18 and 35 years old.
- You have Matric.
- Your SA Youth profile contains your correct residential address.
- Your residence meets the programme’s location requirement.
- You are currently unemployed.
- You can work flexible hours.
- You are available for weekends and public holidays.
- You have your ID and Matric documents available.
- You understand that shortlisted candidates may undergo interviews and assessments.
Pay particular attention to your residential address, as the programme has a specific location requirement.
Closing Date for Tourism Monitors Programme 2026/27
The closing date is 30 September 2026.
Eligible applicants should check their SA Youth profile and application information before submitting their application.
Do not leave the application until the last day, particularly if you still need to update your residential address or prepare supporting documents.
How to Apply for the Tourism Monitors Programme 2026/27
Applications are made online through the SA Youth platform.
Eligible applicants should access the official application opportunity through SA Youth and follow the instructions provided there.
Important: Use the official application platform and avoid paying anyone who claims they can guarantee selection or secure a position.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tourism Monitors Programme available in all provinces?
Yes. The programme is being implemented across all nine provinces of South Africa.
How much does a Tourism Monitor receive?
The advertised rate is R200 per unit of work, with a maximum of 23 days per month. The advertised monthly amount is R4,600.
What qualification is required?
Applicants must have a Matric Certificate.
What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Do I need to live near a participating tourism site?
Yes. Applicants must live within a 30-kilometre radius of participating sites and surrounding communities and land claimants.
When does the programme close?
Applications close on 30 September 2026.
Final Reminder
The Tourism Monitors Programme 2026/27 provides unemployed young South Africans with an opportunity to gain practical exposure in tourism-related environments.
The main requirements include South African citizenship, an age of 18 to 35, Matric, the required residential location and availability to work flexible hours.
Before applying, make sure your SA Youth profile has your correct residential address and that you are prepared for the recruitment process if shortlisted.
Closing date: 30 September 2026.
Source: Information supplied for this article from the Department of Tourism/SANParks programme information. Last checked: September 2026.
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.
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