Unemployed young people in Pretoria and Soshanguve who want a career in hospitality have until Saturday, 18 October 2026 to apply for the Department of Tourism’s 2026/2027 Culinary Skills Programme.
The 12-month programme offers training in Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery. Successful candidates receive a daily stipend of R200 while they train.
The programme is aimed at unemployed youth with matric and is meant to widen job opportunities in South Africa’s tourism and hospitality sector. Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
What Is The 2026/2027 Culinary Skills Programme?
The programme is a skills development opportunity run by the national Department of Tourism. It trains young people in two areas:
- Food and Beverage Services: front-of-house skills used in restaurants, hotels, lodges and events
- Professional Cookery: kitchen and culinary skills for aspiring chefs and cooks
Successful candidates must sign a contract for the full 12 months of training. Applicants must also be able to work flexible hours, including weekends, public holidays and other times as required, which reflects how the hospitality industry works.
The department has run similar culinary programmes before. In 2021, Eat Out reported that the department’s chef training programme paid a stipend of R150 a day. This year’s programme offers R200 a day.
Where Is The Programme Available In Gauteng?
The programme is open to applicants from selected towns and regions in seven provinces. In Gauteng, the two areas listed are:
- Pretoria
- Soshanguve
It is also being offered in the following provinces:
- Northern Cape: Kuruman and Kathu, Upington, Springbok
- Eastern Cape: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Lusikisiki, Mthatha
- Free State: Phuthaditjhaba and Harrismith, Sasolburg and Parys, Kroonstad and Viljoenskroon
- North West: Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, Klerksdorp
- Limpopo: Giyani
- Mpumalanga: Ermelo, Malelane
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have matric and be fluent in English
- Be unemployed
- Be able to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays
- Have a passion for tourism and hospitality and want to grow in the sector
Applicants who have previously taken part in any of the Department of Tourism’s learnerships or skills programmes will not be considered.
Documents You Need
Applicants must submit the following:
- A CV
- A certified copy of your ID
- Proof of residence
- Your matric certificate
The department warns that applications without all of the required documents will not be considered. Make sure your documents are clear, certified where required and ready to upload before you start the form.
How Much Is The Stipend?
Successful candidates receive a daily stipend of R200. The advert does not say how often the stipend is paid or give a monthly total. As a rough guide, 20 to 22 training days in a month would come to around R4 000 to R4 400. Confirm the actual payment terms with the department.
How To Apply
Applications must be completed online only.
- Gather your CV, certified ID copy, proof of residence and matric certificate.
- Open the application form: Apply for the 2026/2027 Culinary Skills Programme
- Complete all fields and upload your documents.
- Submit before the closing date of 18 October 2026.
You can also scan the QR code on the official Department of Tourism advert to open the form.
What Happens After You Apply?
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview to assess their suitability for the programme.
The department will only contact shortlisted candidates. If you have not heard from the department within two weeks of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Beware Of Scams
Applying for this programme is free. The Department of Tourism does not ask applicants to pay to apply, to secure a place or to process documents. Be wary of anyone who asks for money or claims they can guarantee you a spot. If in doubt, contact the department directly using the details below.
Contact Details
For enquiries, contact the Department of Tourism:
- Tel: 012 444 6649
- Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
When Does The Culinary Skills Programme Close?
Applications close on 18 October 2026.
How Much Does The Programme Pay?
Successful candidates receive a daily stipend of R200 during the 12-month programme.
Can I Apply If I Live In Johannesburg?
The advert lists only Pretoria and Soshanguve for Gauteng. Contact the department on 012 444 6649 if you are unsure whether your area qualifies.
Do I Need Matric To Apply?
Yes. Applicants must have a matric certificate and be fluent in English.
Can I Apply If I Have Done A Department Of Tourism Learnership Before?
No. Applicants who have previously taken part in the department’s learnerships or skills programmes will not be considered.
Can Persons With Disabilities Apply?
Yes. The department encourages persons living with disabilities to apply.
Don’t Miss The Deadline
With only days left before applications close, young people in Pretoria and Soshanguve should get their documents ready and apply as soon as possible. The programme offers a year of paid, practical training and a foot in the door of one of South Africa’s biggest employment sectors.
