If you’re looking to launch a career in South Africa’s water sector, now is the time to act. Rand Water has recently opened several learnership programmes for 2026, specifically targeting unemployed youth.
The most critical thing to note is the upcoming deadline: 27 February 2026.
| Job Advert Summary | Rand Water is one of the biggest water utilities in the world. It provides potable water of superior quality to 12 million people in the economic heartland of South Africa. Since its inception in 1903, Rand Water has built a proud history of never failing to supply water to a continually; growing economy. Johannesburg is one of the few cities not built on or near a sustainable river or dam; hence innovative solutions had to be engineered over the years to meet the challenge. Rand Water is centred on employment creation and supporting economic and sectors by significantly stepping up the production of relevant, scarce and critical skills and in line with National Skills Development Strategy III pillars. |
Available Programmes (2026 Cycle)
Rand Water currently offers three main learnership paths. All are 12 to 18-month contracts based primarily in Gauteng (Rietvlei/Glenvista).
| Programme | Reference No. | Key Matric Requirements |
| Water & Wastewater Treatment | RAN260216-7 | Maths & Physical Science |
| Horticulture | RAN260216-5 | Maths/Maths Lit & Life Science |
| Supply Chain Practitioner | Varies | Maths Lit & English (Level 4+) |
•Applicants must not be employed.
•Applicants must not be enrolled with any institution for a qualification nor be registered in any Learnership Programme.
•Applicants must not be in possession of a completed post-matric qualification
(NB: Failure to disclose post-matric qualifications will result in applicant being disqualified)
•Applicants in possession of a post-matric qualification must not apply and will not be considered.
•Applicants must have a Matric (Grade 12) with Mathematics and Physical Science (minimum of Level 3 in ALL the subjects)
(Obtainable from SAQA website » SAQA Verifications Service » Extract from the NLRD)
•Applicants must be a South African citizen and be in possession of a valid SA ID.
•Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age (in line with the NSDSIII).
General Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, you must meet the following strict “hard” requirements. Note: If you already have a degree or diploma, you are overqualified and will be disqualified.
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Age: 18 – 35 years old.
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Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
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Status: Must be currently unemployed and not enrolled in any other studies or learnerships.
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Education: Matric (Grade 12) is the maximum qualification allowed.
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SAQA Report: You must provide a SAQA/NLRD verification report (available from the SAQA website).
Required Documents
Your application will be rejected if any of these are missing or not certified:
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Updated CV.
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Certified copy of South African ID.
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Certified copy of Matric Certificate.
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Proof of residence.
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SAQA / NLRD Verification Report (This is a non-negotiable requirement for Rand Water).
How to Apply
Applications are handled through the Rand Water Careers Portal.
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Visit the Rand Water Careers Page.
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Search for the specific Reference Number (e.g., RAN260216-5).
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Upload your documents and submit before the 27 February 2026 deadline.
Pro-Tip: If you do not hear back within 30 days of the closing date, you should unfortunately consider your application unsuccessful.
