Fixed-term contract ending 31 March 2027
An opportunity is available for skilled participants to participate in a short-term programme focusing on garden maintenance and environmental support. The programme is implemented by South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
The successful candidates must be willing to work independently as well as in a team. Experience in any of the listed duties will be an advantage. The nature of these positions requires hard and physical labour. Applicants must be South African citizens and reside within the local municipality where the garden is based (proof of residence required i.e. letter from the ward committee/ traditional authority or utility bill). An applicant must be physically and medically fit to do manual labour.
Key responsibilities
Among other duties, the successful candidates will be expected to perform manual labour including:
- Chain saw operation
- Brush cutter operation
- Herbicides application
- Construction (paving, painting, brick laying etc)
| Garden | Reference number: | Number of positions | Application Delivery Address and Contact details
08:00 – 16:00 Weekdays |
| Pretoria National Botanical Garden | FGP/PNBG/2026 | 5 | Pretoria NBG (Garden Office)
2 Cussonia Avenue, Brumerria, Pretoria, Gauteng Ms Refilwe Malatji, (012) 843 5071 |
| Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden | FGP/WSNBG/2026 | 7 | Walter Sisulu NBG
End Of Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodeport, Gauteng Ms Nondumiso Magija, (086) 100 1278 |
| Kwa-Zulu Natal National Botanical Garden | FGP/KZNNBG/2026 | 5 | Kwazulu-Natal NBG
2 Swartkops Rd, Prestbury, Pietermaritzburg, KZN Ms Sthembile Zondi, (033) 344 3585 |
| Lowveld National Botanical Garden | FGP/LNBG/2026 | 4 | Lowveld NBG
Botanical Garden Ent Road (Off Madiba Drive), Riversider, Mbombela (Nelspruit), Mpumalanga Mr Carona Mathipa, (013) 752 5531 |
| Free State National Botanical Garden | FGP/FSNBG/2026 | 4 | Free State NBG
Rayton Road, Off Dan Pienaar Drive, R702, Bloemfontein Mr. Lufuno Nenungwi, (051) 436 3530 |
| Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden | FGP/TNBG/2026 | 5 | Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden
451 garden Route, Thohoyandou Unit D, 0950 Mr Mufhati Bulannga, (0)15 962 4258 |
| Mphaphuli Cycad Nature Reserve
(in association with Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden) |
FGP/MCNR/2026 | 4 | Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden
451 garden Route, Thohoyandou Unit D, 0950 Mr Mufhati Bulannga, (0)15 962 4258 |
To apply for the positions:
1) Complete and submit the the SANBI application form (obtainable from our Garden Offices) accompanied by a two-page CV via e-mail to epwp@sanbi.org.za or post/hand deliver your application the address listed above.
2) Use the correct reference number to the position applying for.
Failure to submit the requested information may result in your application not being considered.
In line with the EPWP, the position aims to target women, youth and disabled persons. SANBI reserves the right not to fill these positions.
Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks.
In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI’s authorized verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks.
Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates may consider their applications unsuccessful.
Closes: Thursday, 30 April 2026
Time: 16:00
Remuneration: R200 per day
Location: Pretoria/Roodepoort/Pietermaritzburg/Mbombela/Bloemfontein/Thohoyandou