Applications are now open for the AFGRI Farming Learnership, but only 14 places are available. If you are a young South African with Matric and a dream of working in farming, this could be your starting point. The closing date is 28 October 2026, so you have time to prepare properly — but do not wait until the last week.
What is the AFGRI Farming Learnership?
AFGRI Farmer Development (AFD) offers a learnership called Farming with Crops and Animals. It runs for 12 months on a fixed-term contract at Vastfontein Training Farm in Pretoria North, Gauteng.
You will learn through both on-the-job and off-the-job training. That means you work on the farm and also attend lessons away from your daily duties. The reference number for this programme is AO-2494.
Key facts at a glance
- Organisation: AFGRI Farmer Development (AFD)
- Programme: 2026/27 Farming with Crops and Animals learnership
- Places available: 14
- Reference number: AO-2494
- Location: Vastfontein Training Farm, Pretoria North, Gauteng
- Contract: 12-month fixed term
- Salary: Market related (no amount is stated)
- Closing date: 28 October 2026 (no exact time given)
Who can apply?
You must meet three minimum requirements:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
- You must be unemployed.
Women and people with disabilities get preference. Historically disadvantaged individuals are encouraged to apply, but anyone who meets the requirements may enter.
Here is some good news. You do not need a degree, farm experience, a driver’s licence, or specific marks in Maths or Science. The portal lists the level as Student/Graduate, but the real entry requirement stays Grade 12 or equivalent.
If you are still busy with Matric, be careful. The listing asks for a completed qualification and does not mention a provisional route for pending results. If you hold an equivalent qualification and are unsure whether it counts, contact recruitment with reference AO-2494 and the exact name of your qualification.
Where and how long will you train?
You will be based at Vastfontein Farm in Pretoria North for the full programme. The portal shows a broad 9–12 month band, but the detailed description says 12 months. Use that when you plan your availability, then confirm the dates in your offer.
The listing does not give a start date, working hours, or accommodation details. Placement at the farm does not automatically mean you get housing. If you live far from Pretoria North, work out what transport or a move would involve, and ask what support exists before you commit to travel or housing costs.
What will you learn?
This programme gives you all-round farm experience. You can expect:
- Practical on-the-job learning at the training farm.
- Off-the-job training alongside your farm duties.
- Farm duties and responsibilities aligned with the programme.
- Work across different teams to complete your training.
- Project work that supports the teams on the farm.
Because you learn about both crops and animals, this suits you if you are not yet sure which direction to follow. The listing does not give a timetable, crop types, animal species, or an NQF level. Ask about the training plan and completion requirements during selection.
What information must you give on the form?
The online form asks for:
- Your name and surname.
- Your ID number (the field also mentions passport or visa, but citizenship is still required).
- Your email address.
- Your telephone number.
- Your gender, ethnicity, and disability information.
Use contact details you can reach throughout the selection process. Check your ID number and the spelling of your email before you submit, and answer the demographic questions honestly.
The form also asks about how your personal information may be processed, and whether you agree to the platform’s terms. Open and read the linked privacy information first. The listing also points to AFGRI’s HR Processing Notice.
Which documents should you prepare?
Prepare an updated CV and clear proof of your Grade 12 or equivalent qualification. The form shows these upload fields, each with a 4 MB limit:
- CV — a readable document with your current education and contact details.
- Picture — a photo field is available.
- Qualifications — clear proof of your Grade 12 or equivalent.
- Passport — a general field; follow the instructions for your situation.
- Work permit — a general field; follow the portal instructions.
A field being visible does not mean every candidate must upload that document. The passport and work permit slots do not replace the citizenship requirement. The form also does not list accepted file formats, so follow any validation instructions the portal gives you.
Prepare your files properly
Many applicants lose chances because of poor files. Save your CV and qualification proof as clear PDFs, as long as the upload accepts them. Check each file stays under 4 MB. Open every file before uploading and make sure names, results, and details are readable — no cut-off pages or blurry text.
How do you apply step by step?
- Check your eligibility and availability. Confirm citizenship, unemployment, your qualification, and that you can attend the farm-based programme for 12 months.
- Prepare your files. Update your CV, find your qualification proof, and check the 4 MB limits.
- Open the official AFGRI Vastfontein learnership page. Confirm reference AO-2494 and continue to the candidate form.
- Fill in your personal details. Enter your name, identity number, contact details, and demographic information.
- Upload your documents in the matching fields for your circumstances.
- Read the privacy information and terms before making your consent choices.
- Review everything and select “Submit”. Complete any further steps shown and keep your confirmation or reference.
Finish before 28 October 2026. No exact closing time is given, so submitting early protects you if an upload fails at the last minute.
Tips to improve your chances
- Apply early. Last-minute rush and upload problems cost people opportunities every year.
- Keep your CV honest and focused. Use real examples of reliability, teamwork, and willingness to learn. Include genuine school projects, community work, or farming exposure — never invent experience.
- Double-check your details. One wrong digit in your ID number or email can break your application.
- Test your files. Open each one before uploading to confirm nothing is cut off or blurred.
- Ask questions correctly. Email recruitment with the programme name and reference AO-2494 for questions, but remember only the online submission counts as an application.
What about pay and feedback?
The listing describes the salary as market related but gives no monthly amount, stipend, or payment schedule. If you reach the offer stage, ask for written pay and benefit terms. Clarify whether you must budget for transport, accommodation, or meals yourself.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you hear nothing within 30 days of the closing date, the listing says to regard your submission as unsuccessful. The intake follows AFGRI’s employment-equity policy, and applying does not guarantee selection. The stated contract runs for the training period.
For recruitment questions, the portal lists [email protected]. Include the programme name and reference AO-2494 so the team can identify the opportunity quickly.
You can do this — here is your next step
Only 14 people will be chosen, so competition will be tough. But every one of those 14 started exactly where you are now — with a Matric certificate and hope. If you meet the three requirements, do not count yourself out before you try.
Check your citizenship, unemployment status, and qualification. Prepare readable files within the 4 MB limits. Then complete the online form before 28 October 2026, plan for 12 months at Vastfontein Farm, and ask about pay and practical arrangements if you are shortlisted. One careful, well-prepared application could be where your farming career begins.