Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027 – R200 Daily Stipend
Closing Date: 18 October 2026
Organisation: South African Department of Tourism
Programme: Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027
Duration: 12 Months
Stipend: R200 per day
Minimum Qualification: Matric / Grade 12
Opportunity Overview
The Department of Tourism is offering a 12-month skills development programme aimed at unemployed South African youth interested in building careers in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Participants will receive training in:
- Professional Cookery
- Food and Beverage Services
The programme provides practical hospitality training and industry-relevant skills while participants receive a daily stipend.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have completed Matric / Grade 12
- Be unemployed
- Be fluent in English
- Have an interest in tourism and hospitality
- Be willing to complete the full programme
- Be prepared to work flexible hours
- Be available on weekends and public holidays when required
- Not have previously participated in a Department of Tourism learnership or skills programme
Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
What You Will Learn
Professional Cookery
Training may include:
- Food preparation
- Kitchen hygiene
- Food safety procedures
- Cooking techniques
- Food presentation
- Kitchen organisation
- Teamwork and time management
Food and Beverage Services
Training may include:
- Customer communication
- Restaurant service procedures
- Food and beverage service
- Menu knowledge
- Professional conduct
- Workplace hygiene
- Teamwork
Participating Provinces and Locations
Northern Cape
- Kuruman
- Kathu
- Upington
- Springbok
Eastern Cape
- Gqeberha
- Lusikisiki
- Mthatha
Free State
- Phuthaditjhaba
- Harrismith
- Sasolburg
- Parys
- Kroonstad
- Viljoenskroon
North West
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Klerksdorp
Limpopo
- Giyani
Mpumalanga
- Ermelo
- Malelane
Gauteng
- Pretoria
- Soshanguve
Benefits
Participants will receive:
- R200 daily stipend
- 12 months of hospitality training
- Industry-relevant practical skills
- Exposure to professional hospitality environments
- Improved employability in tourism and hospitality sectors
Important Notes
- Previous professional cooking experience is not required.
- Transport and accommodation assistance are not guaranteed.
- Applicants should confirm attendance and payment conditions before accepting placement.
- Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are not included in this intake.
How to Apply
- Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your Matric certificate and supporting documents.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit your application before 18 October 2026.
Source: Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027: R200 Daily Stipend With Matric.
