Unemployed young South Africans interested in cooking, food preparation and hospitality have an opportunity to develop industry-related skills through the Department of Tourism’s 2026/2027 Culinary Skills Programme.
The programme focuses on Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery, with a stated duration of 12 months. According to the supplied programme information, successful participants will receive a stipend of R200 per day while undertaking the skills development opportunity.
Applications are invited from eligible candidates in selected towns across seven provinces. The programme may appeal to young people seeking practical training and a pathway into South Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Applicants should check the requirements carefully, particularly the previous-participation restriction, before submitting their applications.
Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027: Key Details
| Programme detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Department | Department of Tourism |
| Programme | Culinary Skills Programme |
| Training areas | Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Stipend | R200 per day, as stated in the supplied information |
| Target group | Unemployed youth |
| Minimum qualification | Matric certificate |
| Age requirement | 18–35 years |
| Locations | Selected towns in seven provinces |
| Application method | Online application form |
| Closing date | Not provided in the supplied information |
Important: The application closing date has not been included in the information provided for this article. Check the application form and official programme notice to establish whether applications are still open.
What Is the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme?
The Culinary Skills Programme aims to develop knowledge and practical skills in two areas: professional cookery and food and beverage services.
These skills are relevant to different parts of the hospitality sector, including restaurants, hotels, catering businesses and other establishments that prepare food or serve customers.
The programme may help participants develop workplace skills and become familiar with the standards and responsibilities associated with hospitality work. However, completing a skills development programme does not guarantee permanent employment.
Successful applicants should be prepared to participate in the training requirements and meet the programme’s attendance and workplace expectations.
How Much Is the Stipend?
The supplied programme information states that successful participants will receive R200 per day.
The actual amount received over a month may depend on the number of eligible training days and the programme’s payment arrangements. Applicants should confirm how the stipend is calculated, when payments are made and whether any conditions apply before accepting a placement.
The R200 daily amount should not be interpreted as a guaranteed monthly salary.
Available Provinces and Towns
Applications are listed for selected locations across the following seven provinces.
| Province | Listed towns |
|---|---|
| Northern Cape | Kuruman, Kathu, Upington, Springbok |
| Eastern Cape | Port Elizabeth, Lusikisiki, Mthatha |
| Free State | Phuthaditjhaba, Harrismith, Sasolburg, Parys, Kroonstad, Viljoenskroon |
| North West | Potchefstroom, Mafikeng, Klerksdorp |
| Limpopo | Giyani |
| Mpumalanga | Ermelo, Malelane |
| Gauteng | Pretoria, Soshanguve |
Applicants should check the online form to confirm which locations are available and whether they meet the requirements for their preferred area.
Before applying, consider whether you can attend training at the relevant location and meet any travel or attendance requirements. The supplied information does not confirm whether accommodation or transport assistance is provided.
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Minimum Requirements for Applicants
According to the supplied programme details, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Have completed Grade 12 (Matric).
- Be fluent in English.
- Be unemployed and interested in developing skills in tourism and hospitality.
- Be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays, where required.
- Submit the required supporting documents.
- Not have previously participated in the Department of Tourism’s learnership or skills development programmes covered by the stated exclusion.
People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should review the official notice for any additional eligibility conditions before completing the form.
Documents Required
Prepare the following documents before starting the application:
- Updated CV: Include your education, contact details, relevant skills and any genuine work or volunteer experience.
- Certified copy of your South African ID: Ensure the copy is clear and readable.
- Proof of residence: Provide the document requested by the application instructions.
- Certified Matric certificate: Make sure the certificate is legible and meets any certification requirements specified in the notice.
Check the application form for instructions on certification dates, acceptable proof of residence and document formats. Submit all requested information accurately, as incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply for the Department of Tourism Skills Programme
Applications are submitted through the online form provided in the supplied programme notice.
Follow these steps:
- Open the application link below.
- Read the instructions and confirm that applications are still being accepted.
- Check the eligibility requirements and available locations.
- Complete the form using accurate personal, educational and contact information.
- Upload your CV, certified ID copy, proof of residence and certified Matric certificate, as requested.
- Review your answers and attachments before submitting.
- Keep a record of any application confirmation.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY – Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027
Use the application link only after checking that it corresponds to the intended Department of Tourism programme.
What Happens After You Apply?
The supplied information states that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. It also advises candidates who have not received communication within two weeks after the closing date to consider their applications unsuccessful.
Applicants should retain their contact details and check their messages regularly. If the application period or notification arrangements have changed, follow the latest official instructions.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Make sure your CV is updated and easy to read.
- Highlight any relevant cooking, catering, food preparation or customer service experience, if you have it.
- Check that your age and qualification meet the stated requirements.
- Confirm that your preferred town is included in the programme.
- Upload every required document in the requested format.
- Never pay anyone who promises to secure a place in the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Culinary Skills Programme?
The supplied information lists the programme duration as 12 months.
How much is the daily stipend?
The stated stipend is R200 per day. Confirm the payment conditions with the programme administrator.
Can applicants without Matric apply?
The supplied requirements specify a Matric certificate, so applicants should not assume that a lower qualification will be accepted.
Can someone who previously participated in a Department of Tourism programme apply?
The supplied notice says applicants who previously participated in the Department of Tourism’s learnership or skills development programmes will not be considered. Check the official notice if you are unsure whether a previous programme falls under this restriction.
Does the programme guarantee a job?
No employment guarantee is stated in the supplied information. The programme is intended to develop skills, but participants should not assume that completion will lead to permanent employment.
Final Advice for Applicants
The Department of Tourism’s Culinary Skills Programme may be worth considering for unemployed young people who want to develop skills in professional cookery and food and beverage services.
Before applying, confirm the closing date, check that your preferred location is available, prepare the required documents and read the programme conditions carefully.
Editorial note: This article is based on the supplied programme information. The current application status, closing date, stipend payment conditions and full eligibility criteria should be confirmed through the official programme notice or application administrator before applicants submit personal information.