South African citizens and permanent residents living within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality who have Grade 12 can apply for the Sekunjalo Culinary Programme 2026, a 12-month development programme covering culinary skills, hospitality, food production and entrepreneurship.
The programme is being implemented by Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in partnership with the Wakanda Food Accelerator. The advertised target group includes unemployed youth, aspiring chefs, local farmers, food entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Applications close on 21 September 2026.
According to the available programme information, applicants must be residents of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and must be available to participate full-time for the entire 12-month programme.
Sekunjalo Culinary Programme 2026 at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Sekunjalo Culinary Programme 2026 |
| Implementing municipality | Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality |
| Partner | Wakanda Food Accelerator |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Minimum qualification | Grade 12 |
| Residency | Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality |
| Target group | Unemployed youth, aspiring chefs, local farmers, food entrepreneurs and SMMEs |
| Programme focus | Culinary, hospitality, catering, food production and entrepreneurship |
| Participation | Full-time |
| Application method | Hand delivery |
| Application location | Sekunjalo Skills Development Training Centre, Tyip Tyip |
| Closing date | 21 September 2026 |
| Stipend | Not disclosed |
The municipality has previously documented its work with the Wakanda Food Accelerator and the development of a culinary incubator at the Sekunjalo Skills Development Centre.
What does the Sekunjalo Culinary Programme offer?
The programme is designed to go beyond basic cooking instruction by combining practical food-related skills with entrepreneurship development.
The advertised focus areas include:
- Culinary techniques
- Food preparation
- Hospitality
- Catering
- Food production
- Food safety
- Entrepreneurship
- Small-business development
- Food-value-chain opportunities
This means the programme is not limited to people who want to become professional chefs.
Applicants interested in catering, hospitality, food production, farming or developing a food-related business are also included among the intended participants.
Who can apply?
The advertised eligibility requirements state that applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Have a valid South African identity document.
- Have completed Grade 12.
- Live within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
- Be unemployed, self-employed or an entrepreneur.
- Be available full-time for the full 12-month programme.
- Have an interest in hospitality, catering or food production.
Residency is particularly important because the programme is intended for people living within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Proof of residence is listed among the required documents.
Who is the programme aimed at?
The Sekunjalo Culinary Programme brings together several groups within the food and hospitality sector.
Aspiring chefs
People interested in professional cooking can develop practical exposure in culinary and food-preparation areas.
The programme is therefore relevant to applicants who want to explore a future career in cooking or related hospitality environments.
Hospitality and catering applicants
Applicants interested in catering, hospitality and food service are also part of the programme’s target audience.
The advertised training areas include hospitality and catering alongside culinary and food-production skills.
Local farmers
Local farmers are specifically included among the programme’s target groups.
For farmers interested in the food value chain, the programme may provide exposure to activities further along the journey from agricultural production to food products and services.
Food entrepreneurs and SMMEs
Food entrepreneurs and small businesses are also identified as potential participants.
The entrepreneurship component means the programme addresses business development alongside practical food skills.
What documents do you need?
The available programme information lists the following supporting documents:
- Latest school report, educational certificate or Grade 12 certificate
- Certified copy of your South African identity document
- Proof of residence from your Councillor
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
Applicants should make sure copies are clear and that the information provided is accurate.
Prepare your proof of residence early
Proof of residence is particularly important because applicants must live within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
If you need to obtain or update your proof of residence, it is sensible to deal with this before the closing date rather than leaving it until the final day.
Do not provide an address that does not reflect your actual residence.
Is Grade 12 required?
Yes.
Grade 12 is listed as the minimum educational requirement in the available programme information.
Applicants should prepare their Grade 12 certificate or the other educational document specified in the application requirements.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not by itself guarantee selection.
Is the programme full-time?
Yes.
Applicants must be available to participate full-time for the entire 12-month programme.
This is an important requirement for anyone who is currently working, studying or managing other commitments.
Before applying, make sure you can meet the programme’s full-time participation requirement.
Does the programme offer a stipend?
A stipend amount is not disclosed in the available programme information.
Applicants should therefore not assume that they will receive a monthly stipend, transport allowance, meal allowance or another financial benefit.
If participant financial support is communicated during selection or enrolment, applicants should rely on the information provided directly by the programme.
How can the programme support food-business development?
The programme combines culinary and food-sector training with entrepreneurship.
That broader focus can be relevant to people who want to work in food businesses rather than only pursue kitchen-based employment.
For example, a participant interested in a food enterprise may need to understand both the practical side of producing food and the business side of operating an enterprise.
However, the programme should not be presented as a guarantee of employment or business success after completion.
How can farmers fit into the programme?
The inclusion of local farmers reflects the programme’s wider food-value-chain focus.
A farmer may be interested not only in producing agricultural products but also in understanding what happens further along the food chain.
Depending on the type of produce involved, food-value-chain activities can include areas such as food production, preparation and value addition.
The specific training participants receive should be confirmed through the programme itself.
What should you check before applying?
Before submitting your application, check that:
- You have completed Grade 12.
- You are a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- You have a valid South African ID.
- You live within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
- You have the required proof of residence.
- Your ID copy is certified as required.
- Your CV is updated.
- Your contact details are correct.
- You can participate full-time for 12 months.
- Your information is truthful and accurate.
If you have genuine experience related to cooking, catering, hospitality, farming or food businesses, you can include relevant experience on your CV.
Do not invent qualifications or experience.
How do you apply?
The available programme information states that applications are submitted by hand delivery to:
Sekunjalo Skills Development Training Centre, Tyip Tyip
Applicants should prepare the required supporting documents before submitting their application.
The application should be submitted before the advertised closing date.
Applications must be submitted through the Sekunjalo Culinary Programme online application form
When do applications close?
Applications for the Sekunjalo Culinary Programme 2026 close on:
21 September 2026
Applicants who meet the requirements should avoid waiting until the final day, particularly if they still need to obtain proof of residence or certified documents.
Is the Sekunjalo Culinary Programme available nationwide?
No.
The programme is specifically advertised for residents of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
Applicants living elsewhere in South Africa should not assume that they qualify simply because they meet the Grade 12 requirement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sekunjalo Culinary Programme?
It is a 12-month development programme focused on culinary, hospitality, food production and entrepreneurship skills.
How long is the programme?
The advertised programme duration is 12 months.
Do I need Grade 12?
Yes. Grade 12 is listed as the minimum educational requirement.
Who can apply?
The target groups include unemployed youth, aspiring chefs, local farmers, food entrepreneurs and SMMEs who meet the stated requirements.
Must I live in Buffalo City?
Yes. Applicants must be residents within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
Is the programme full-time?
Yes. Applicants must be available full-time for the full 12-month programme.
Is there a stipend?
No stipend amount is disclosed in the available programme information.
What documents are required?
The listed documents include an educational certificate or latest school report/Grade 12 certificate, certified ID copy, proof of residence from the Councillor and a CV.
Where do I submit the application?
Applications are listed for hand delivery at the Sekunjalo Skills Development Training Centre in Tyip Tyip.
When is the closing date?
Applications close on 21 September 2026.
Final reminder for applicants
The Sekunjalo Culinary Programme 2026 is a Buffalo City opportunity rather than a nationwide programme.
If you meet the Grade 12, residency, citizenship or permanent-residency and availability requirements, prepare your documents carefully and submit your application before 21 September 2026.
Most importantly, use accurate information in your application and do not pay anyone who claims they can guarantee you a place.
Verified suggestions:
- Services SETA 2026 Skills Development Learnership Programmes — useful for readers looking for additional skills-development opportunities.
- Learnerships 2026 — relevant category hub for readers exploring other current learnership opportunities.
- GPR Training Academy Learnership 2026 — another current opportunity for unemployed South Africans.
- LearnMe Learnerships and Skills Programmes 2026 — useful for readers exploring broader skills-development programmes.
Author/Updated Information
Written by: Mbalizuke Nkosi
Published: 17 September 2026
Updated: 17 September 2026
Information checked: 17 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.
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.
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