Are you passionate about tourism, hospitality and the environment? Applications are open for the Tourism Monitors Programme 2026/27, which gives unemployed young South Africans an opportunity to gain practical experience while working at selected tourism sites and national parks.
The programme is offered through the Department of Tourism and SANParks and runs for 12 months. Successful participants will receive a daily stipend of R200, for up to 23 working days per month.
The opportunity is aimed at young people interested in building experience in tourism, hospitality, travel and customer service.
Tourism Monitors Programme 2026/27
The Tourism Monitors Programme provides participants with practical exposure at participating tourism sites. Applicants must live within 30 km of a listed park, in a surrounding community, or be land claimants, according to the recruitment notice.
The programme may require participants to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays, and applicants must be able to arrange reliable transport to and from work when required.
How Much Is the Stipend?
Successful Tourism Monitor participants will receive:
- R200 per day
- Up to 23 working days per month
- 12-month contract
The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026 at 23:59.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Have a Matric/Grade 12 certificate or equivalent
- Have an interest in tourism, hospitality and customer service
- Be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays
- Be able to arrange reliable transport to and from the workplace where required
- Have a clear criminal record
- Be willing to complete the required fitness and medical assessments
- People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must also provide proof of residence, such as a municipal bill or a letter from a tribal authority, as well as certified copies of the required documents. The recruitment notice states that applications missing required documents will not be considered.
Tourism Monitor Locations
The programme has participating sites across several provinces.
Eastern Cape
Opportunities are available at:
- Tsitsikamma National Park
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Camdeboo National Park
- Mountain Zebra National Park
Gauteng
Free State
Limpopo
Mpumalanga
Western Cape
Opportunities are available at several sites, including:
Northern Cape
- Tankwa Karoo National Park
- Augrabies National Park
- Kgalagadi National Park
- Mokala National Park
- Richtersveld National Park
- Namaqua National Park
The source material lists these locations as participating Tourism Monitor sites. Individual applicants should check the relevant SA Youth opportunity for the site closest to them before applying.
Tourism Monitor Selection Process
Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview and complete a timed fitness assessment.
The recruitment information indicates that the fitness assessment may include a 2.4 km run and 25 push-ups and/or 25 sit-ups within a specified time. Successful candidates must also undergo a medical fitness assessment by a registered medical practitioner.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
How to Apply for the Tourism Monitors Programme
Applications are submitted online through SA Youth.
If you are already registered on SA Youth:
- Log in to your SA Youth profile.
- Search for “Tourism Monitors Programme”.
- Alternatively, search for “Tourism Safety Monitor” if the opportunity does not appear.
- Select the relevant opportunity for your area.
- Check the requirements and required documents.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
The application information states that SA Youth registration is free and does not require data.
Documents to Prepare
Applicants should prepare:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of your Matric/qualification certificate
- Proof of residence
- Any other documents requested in the specific SA Youth opportunity
Make sure your documents are available before submitting your application, as applications missing required documents may not be considered.
Tourism Monitors Programme Closing Date
The closing date is:
30 September 2026 at 23:59
This is a 12-month opportunity with a R200 daily stipend.
If the opportunity does not appear after logging into SA Youth, applicants are advised to use the search box and search for “Tourism Monitors Programme” or “Tourism Safety Monitor.”
Need Help With Your SA Youth Application?
Applicants who need assistance can contact SA Youth on 0800 72 72 72, Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:30.
Apply before 30 September 2026 and make sure you select the Tourism Monitor opportunity that matches your area.
