The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment invites suitable candidates to apply for their X420 government Internships 2025
Are you a graduate passionate about environmental sustainability and local government planning? The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is currently recruiting for its 2025 Municipal Environment Graduate Programme (MEGP), a two-year government internship offering hands-on training, real-world experience, and a monthly stipend of R9,200.
With 420 internship positions available across all nine provinces of South Africa, this opportunity is ideal for graduates in environmental science, environmental management, and related fields who are looking to build a career in public sector planning, governance, and environmental sustainability.
About the Municipal Environment Graduate Programme (MEGP)
The MEGP internship programme forms part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and is designed to empower graduates with technical knowledge and practical skills in the field of environmental management at the municipal level. Interns will work directly within municipalities across the country, supporting environmental governance initiatives and helping to embed sustainability into local development processes.
This structured internship provides a platform for aspiring environmental professionals to engage with government policies, regulations, and development planning frameworks, while gaining invaluable two-year work experience.
Government Internship 2025 Locations & Reference Numbers by Province
Internship placements are distributed across municipalities in all provinces. Applicants should use the correct reference number when applying:
- Limpopo – Reference: MEGP_01_L
- KwaZulu-Natal – Reference: MEGP_02_KZN
- Mpumalanga – Reference: MEGP_03_MPU
- Eastern Cape – Reference: MEGP_04_EC
- Western Cape – Reference: MEGP_05_WC
- Northern Cape – Reference: MEGP_06_NC
- Free State – Reference: MEGP_07_FS
- North West – Reference: MEGP_08_NW
- Gauteng – Reference: MEGP_09_GP
Key Details
- Contract Duration: 24 months (Fixed-Term Internship)
- Monthly Stipend: R9,200
- Start Date: 2025 (exact dates provided in official communications)
- Application Status: Open now
Who Should Apply – Minimum Requirements
The DFFE is seeking committed and qualified candidates who meet the following criteria:
- South African citizenship
- A completed National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in:
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Planning
- Natural Sciences
- or other related disciplines
- Solid understanding of environmental legislation and policies (e.g., NEMA, NEMWA, EIA regulations)
- Knowledge of the functions and roles of local, provincial, and national government
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Strong planning, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital tools
- Valid driver’s license (preferred)
Key Responsibilities of Interns
As a participant in the Municipal Environment Graduate Programme, you will:
- Support environmental planning and natural resource management functions within your assigned municipality
- Assist in monitoring and evaluating municipal compliance with environmental legislation
- Provide technical advice on policy implementation and planning processes
- Facilitate capacity-building workshops for municipal staff on sustainability topics
- Participate in Integrated Development Planning (IDP) and District Development Model (DDM) processes
- Promote environmental education and community outreach initiatives
- Contribute to strategic planning, project implementation, and environmental performance tracking
- Support DFFE sector programmes through project management and data collection
This internship allows graduates to make a real contribution to South Africa’s environmental priorities, while also building a professional career in government service.
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Why Apply for the DFFE Government Internships?
This two-year internship programme is more than just work experience — it’s a stepping stone into long-term employment in the public environmental sector. Key benefits include:
- Monthly stipend of R9,200
- Exposure to real-world municipal governance and environmental systems
- Career-relevant training and skills development
- Potential to network with environmental professionals and government leaders
- Contribution to sustainable development and climate resilience in South African communities
How to Apply
Click here to apply online for the X420 government Internships programme 2025