Starting a career as a Graduate Software Developer at AFGRI in Centurion gives new graduates the chance to get real experience in software development processes, known as the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). This includes working on both the front-end and back-end of applications.
Many graduates feel overwhelmed when applying for software development jobs because most entry-level positions require prior experience. That’s why the Graduate Software Developer role at AFGRI stands out. It offers a clear path for graduates seeking hands-on experience throughout the entire software development process, rather than just doing small, separate tasks. With three positions opening up and applications closing on 20 February 2026, this is a great opportunity for tech graduates looking for job stability, mentorship, and real-world experience.
Don’t forget to check out the Sanlam Actuarial Bursary for 2027, which is now open. This could be your pathway to becoming a leader in your field!
Why Graduate Software Developer Positions Matter Today
In South Africa, there are many talented IT and computer science graduates, but there’s often a big gap between what they learn in school and what they encounter in actual work settings. While they might be familiar with coding, many have not worked within formal SDLC processes or live production environments.
At AFGRI, you will gain valuable insights into how software plays a crucial role in operating real businesses, such as those in agriculture and logistics. This exposure helps you learn why software choices are important, how different systems work together, and how development teams must balance quality and speed while following compliance rules. These are lessons that can be hard to learn in school or informal settings.
Who Should Apply for This Graduate Software Developer Role?
This role is perfect for graduates who are excited to learn and grow. If you are curious about technology and eager to understand how teams work in a real-world setting, this job might be for you.
The ideal candidates will:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Computer Programming, or a related field
- Have some experience or coursework with JavaScript, C#, .NET Core, React, and TypeScript
- Be comfortable using development tools like Microsoft Visual Studio
- Be eager to learn about both front-end and back-end development
This role isn’t for those who only want to specialize in one technology. You’ll be rotating through different areas, including IT operations and compliance-aware development. Since this is a contract job for recent graduates, it is an excellent opportunity to focus on learning and building your skills.
What Will You Be Doing as a Graduate Software Developer?
This role strikes a good balance between support tasks and development work.
On the support side, you will:
- Help analyze business needs
- Troubleshoot problems and manage support requests
- Learn about change control in live environments
- Work with IT teams to keep systems running smoothly
When it comes to development, you will:
- Help create new features and improve existing systems
- Take part in both front-end and back-end development tasks
- Participate in debugging, testing, and reviewing code
- Follow AFGRI’s SDLC processes and development best practices
This mix reflects real-world software development. Not every day will be about creating something new; there will be plenty of days focused on improving and supporting existing systems. Graduates who understand this early on often adapt more easily and become more successful developers.
The Skills AFGRI Values in Graduate Software Developers
While technical skills are important, AFGRI is also looking for strong behavioral and professional qualities.
Successful candidates typically demonstrate:
- Attention to detail and a commitment to quality
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to work well under pressure without cutting corners
- A willingness to learn, adapt, and accept feedback
These qualities are essential in modern development teams, where teamwork, clear documentation, and communication are just as important as writing good code. This position also introduces you to governance and compliance—topics that are often overlooked early in techno careers but are crucial in larger companies.
Things to Know Before Applying for the Graduate Software Developer Role
Here are some key details to keep in mind:
- Title: Graduate Software Developer
- Location: Centurion
- Reference number: AO-2229
- Closing date: 20 February 2026
- Available positions: 3
- Work Level: Student / Graduate
- Job Type: Contract
- Salary: Market-related
- Employment Equity: Applicable
AFGRI will communicate only with candidates who are shortlisted. If you don’t hear back within 30 days of the closing date, please assume your application was not successful.
To apply, click here:
👉 Graduate Software Developer Application
If you’re new to enterprise IT governance and compliance, the Information Regulator of South Africa offers helpful information about the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA):
👉 Read More Here
Frequently Asked Questions About the Graduate Software Developer Role
Is this role suitable for fresh graduates with no work experience?
Yes! This position is designed for graduates, focusing on learning through structured experiences.
Is this a permanent position?
No, this is a contract role aimed at giving you a proper start in your software development career.
Do I need to know all the listed technologies well?
Not necessarily. Some basic knowledge and a willingness to learn are what you’ll need.
Will graduates work on real systems?
Absolutely! You’ll be involved in supporting live systems while working on improvements and maintenance.
Is this role only for candidates in Gauteng?
Since the position is based in Centurion, you must be available to work from there.
You can do this! Embrace the opportunity and take your first step toward a successful career in software development. Good luck!
