Young South Africans living with disabilities often face additional barriers when searching for employment and skills development opportunities. To help bridge this gap, Transcend, in partnership with Thungela, has opened applications for its 12-month Learnership Programme 2026.
The programme is specifically designed for unemployed persons living with disabilities and offers accredited workplace training in business-related qualifications. Successful learners will gain valuable practical experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification that can improve their future employment prospects.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 35, have Grade 11 or higher, and live in selected areas of Mpumalanga, this learnership could be an excellent opportunity to build your career.
Programme Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Thungela Learnership 2026 |
| Partner | Transcend & Thungela |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Programme Type | Learnership |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 11 or Higher |
| Experience Required | None |
| Eligible Applicants | Persons Living with Disabilities |
| Province | Mpumalanga |
| Areas Covered | Witbank, Middelburg, Secunda and surrounding areas |
| Closing Date | 14 August 2026 |
About the Learnership
The Thungela Learnership Programme has been developed to equip unemployed young people living with disabilities with practical workplace experience and accredited training.
The programme combines classroom learning with workplace exposure, allowing participants to develop technical, administrative and business skills while preparing for long-term employment opportunities.
Through the partnership between Transcend and Thungela, learners receive structured support from experienced facilitators and workplace mentors throughout the programme.
Qualifications Available
Successful applicants may be enrolled in one of the following learnership qualifications:
- New Venture Creation
- Business Administration
- Generic Management
Placement into a qualification may depend on operational requirements and available training opportunities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Learners may be expected to:
- Attend all classroom training sessions.
- Complete practical workplace assignments.
- Participate in assessments.
- Work professionally within assigned departments.
- Complete learner portfolios.
- Follow workplace rules and safety procedures.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors.
- Participate in mentoring activities.
- Demonstrate commitment to completing the programme.
- Maintain regular attendance throughout the learnership.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Be unemployed.
- Be a person living with a disability.
- Possess a Grade 11 qualification or higher.
- Have a clear criminal record.
- Be currently residing in:
- Witbank
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Surrounding areas in Mpumalanga
Applicants must not be enrolled in another learnership programme at the time of application.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Copy of South African ID
- Bank Confirmation Letter
- SARS Letter
- Medical Certificate confirming disability
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Highest qualification certificate
- Ward Councillor’s Residential Confirmation Letter
Ensure all documents are complete and clearly legible before submission.
Skills You Will Gain
Participants may develop valuable workplace skills, including:
- Business administration
- Office communication
- Record management
- Customer service
- Teamwork
- Leadership fundamentals
- Business operations
- Problem-solving
- Workplace professionalism
- Time management
- Report writing
- Computer literacy
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Management principles
These skills are valuable across various industries.
Benefits of the Programme
Participants may benefit from:
- Accredited workplace training.
- Practical work experience.
- Nationally recognised qualification.
- Professional mentoring.
- Workplace exposure.
- Improved employability.
- Personal development.
- Networking opportunities.
- Career readiness.
- Opportunity to gain valuable business skills.
Career Opportunities After Completion
Depending on the qualification completed, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Administrative Assistant
- Office Administrator
- Business Support Officer
- Customer Service Consultant
- General Office Clerk
- Team Leader
- Business Administrator
- Junior Supervisor
- Entrepreneur
- Operations Assistant
The experience gained may also improve opportunities within mining support services and business administration.
Application Tips
To improve your chances of selection:
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Ensure every required document is included.
- Keep your CV updated.
- Double-check your contact details.
- Ensure your medical certificate is valid.
- Use a professional email address.
- Clearly indicate the correct email subject line.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit their applications via email.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required supporting documents listed in the advertisement.
Step 2: Update Your CV
Ensure your CV includes your latest qualifications, skills and contact information.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Email your CV and supporting documents to:
Subject Line:
Thungela Learnerships
Applications submitted without the correct subject line may experience delays during processing.
Where to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email to:
Email: learnerships@transcend.co.za
Only applications submitted through the official email address before the closing date will be considered.
Applicants should never pay any fee when applying for a legitimate learnership.
Closing Date
Closing Date: 14 August 2026
Late applications are unlikely to be considered. Interested candidates should apply as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply?
Unemployed South African citizens aged 18–35 years who are persons living with disabilities and meet the minimum requirements.
What qualification is required?
Applicants must have Grade 11 or higher.
How long is the programme?
The learnership runs for 12 months.
Which province is eligible?
Applicants must reside in Mpumalanga, specifically Witbank, Middelburg, Secunda or surrounding areas.
What qualifications are offered?
Available programmes include:
- Business Administration
- Generic Management
- New Venture Creation
Can applicants currently enrolled in another learnership apply?
No. Applicants should not be participating in another learnership programme at the time of application.
Is there an application fee?
No. Legitimate learnership opportunities do not charge application fees.
Why This Learnership Is Worth Applying For
The Thungela Learnership 2026 provides more than accredited training—it offers an opportunity for unemployed persons living with disabilities to gain practical workplace experience, develop business skills and improve their employability.
By partnering with Transcend, Thungela aims to support inclusive skills development while helping participants prepare for careers in administration, management and business services. The combination of structured learning, mentorship and workplace exposure makes this programme an excellent stepping stone toward long-term employment.
Editorial Policy
This article has been independently prepared using information published in the official learnership advertisement. Our editorial team verifies publicly available recruitment information before publication to provide readers with accurate, reliable and up-to-date opportunities. Applicants should always confirm application requirements through the official recruitment notice before applying.
Sources and References
- Official Transcend & Thungela Learnership Advertisement
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
Disclaimer
This article is an independent editorial guide intended for informational purposes only. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thungela or Transcend unless expressly stated in the official recruitment advertisement. Programme requirements, available qualifications, selection procedures and closing dates may change. Applicants should rely on the official advertisement for the latest application information before submitting their documents.
