Tourism Ambassador – Integrated Service Excellence Programme 2026

Host Organization: Department of Tourism (in partnership with SANBI and regional tourism sites)

Location: Nationally across participating botanical, zoological, and biodiversity sites (Gauteng, Western Cape, Limpopo, KZN, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga)

Position Type: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Youth Development / Work Experience)

Compensation: R200 Daily Rate

Closing Date: 18 September 2026

Application Platform: SA Youth (sayouth.mobi)

Programme Overview

Applications are officially open for unemployed South African youth to join the Tourism Ambassador: Integrated Service Excellence Programme 2026.

Funded as part of the Department of Tourism’s National Tourism Service Excellence Strategy, this 12-month workplace opportunity provides practical hands-on experience at premier tourism, botanical garden, zoological, and biodiversity conservation sites across South Africa.

Participants will serve as front-line Tourism Ambassadors, delivering visitor support, promoting environmental conservation, and raising service standards across South Africa’s key eco-tourism destinations.

Key Benefits & Practical Experience

• Stipend: A fixed daily rate of R200 for the duration of the 12-month contract.

• Workplace Exposure: Gain hands-on experience in public relations, guest relations, front-of-house operations, eco-tourism, and biodiversity education.

• CV Enhancement: Build a verified 12-month track record in customer service and tourism administration to boost future employability.

• Skill Development: Practical training in conflict resolution, professional communication, time management, and visitor management.

Minimum Entry & Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for screening, applicants must satisfy all of the following criteria:

• Educational Requirement: Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or equivalent qualification.

• Age Requirement: Between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.

• Employment Status: Must be currently unemployed.

• Citizenship: South African citizen with a valid South African Identity Document.

• Strict Geographic Rule: Must reside within a 50 km radius of the specific participating site for which you apply.

• Operational Availability: Must be fluent in spoken and written English, willing to work flexible shift hours, including weekends and public holidays.

• Inclusivity: Persons living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Participating Tourism Sites & Regional Locations

Gauteng

• Pretoria National Botanical Garden

• Pretoria National Zoological Garden

• Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden (Roodepoort)

Western Cape

• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Cape Town)

• Harold Porter National Botanical Garden (Betty's Bay)

• Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden (Worcester)

Limpopo

• Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre

• Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden

KwaZulu-Natal

• KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden (Pietermaritzburg)

Mpumalanga

• Lowveld National Botanical Garden (Mbombela)

Northern Cape

• Free State / Northern Cape Regional Botanical Hubs

How to Apply via SA Youth

1. Visit the official SA Youth mobi site: sayouth.mobi.

2. Register a new account or log in using your ID number and password.

3. Ensure your residential address is updated and accurate to verify you live within 50 km of your selected site.

4. Search for: "Integrated Service Excellence Programme" or click the direct application link for your nearest participating location.

5. Answer the online screening questions and submit your application prior to 18 September 2026.

Candidate Application Checklist

Before submitting your application via SA Youth prior to 18 September 2026, confirm that you have:

1. Updated Address: Ensured your SA Youth profile location accurately reflects your physical residence (to pass the 50 km radius check).

2. Matric Details: Captured your Grade 12 year, school name, and subject results accurately on the platform.

3. ID Verification: Validated your 13-digit South African ID number.