Unemployed young South Africans with Matric can now apply for the Tourism Ambassador: Integrated Service Excellence Programme, a 12‑month placement that pays R200 per day while you work at tourism, botanical garden, zoological and biodiversity sites.
What is the programme?
The Tourism Ambassador role is part of the Integrated Service Excellence Programme – a youth development initiative linked to South Africa’s tourism sector. You will be placed at a participating site for a fixed 12‑month term, earning hands‑on experience in customer service and visitor management.
Who can apply?
- South African citizen
- Unemployed
- Age between 18 and 35
- Matric (Grade 12) completed
- Valid South African ID
- Live within 50 km of your chosen site
- Can read and speak English
- Reliable transport to the workplace
- Willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays
- Interest in tourism, hospitality or visitor services
- Clear criminal record
- People with disabilities are encouraged to apply
What will you gain?
- Daily stipend of R200 (up to 23 days per month, i.e., as much as R4 600 per month)
- Practical experience in customer service, communication and teamwork
- Skills that transfer to hospitality, events, retail and other service‑focused industries
- Understanding of tourism operations and conservation settings
- Professional references after successful completion
How to apply – step by step
- Gather a certified copy of your Matric certificate, ID, proof of residence (e.g., municipal bill) and an up‑to‑date CV.
- Visit the official application portal: https://sayouth.mobi/.
- Search for “Integrated Service Excellence Programme” or “Tourism Ambassador Programme”.
- Select a placement site that is within 50 km of your home address.
- Complete the online profile, ensuring your residential address and Matric details are correct.
- Answer all screening questions honestly and submit the application.
- Wait for a shortlist – only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview and background checks.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that your home address falls inside the 50 km radius of the chosen site; you may be asked for proof.
- Ensure all documents are certified and match the information entered online.
- Highlight any voluntary work, school projects or extracurricular activities that show customer‑service abilities.
- Be prepared to discuss your flexibility with weekend and holiday shifts during the interview.
- Declare any previous participation in Department of Tourism learnerships; honesty is essential.
- Keep your phone active and check messages regularly after applying.
Next steps
The deadline for applications is 18 September 2026. Do not wait until the last hours – verify your address, upload the correct documents, and submit your application as soon as possible. This programme offers a solid entry point into tourism, hospitality and conservation, giving you a year of real‑world experience to boost your CV and future career prospects.