If you are passionate about engineering, infrastructure development, finance, or public sector management, the SANRAL Development Programme could be your pathway into a stable and rewarding career.
About SANRAL
South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd is responsible for financing, managing, and maintaining South Africa’s national road network. The agency plays a critical role in supporting economic growth by ensuring safe, efficient, and well-maintained transport infrastructure across the country.
Through its development programmes, SANRAL invests in youth development, graduate training, bursaries, internships, and professional registration support.
Overview of the SANRAL Development Programme 2026
The SANRAL Development Programme is structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical workplace experience. Depending on the intake, the programme may include:
- Graduate Development Programme
- Internship Programme
- Bursary Programme
- Candidate Engineer Programme
- Technician-in-Training Programme
The duration typically ranges from 12 to 36 months, depending on the specific field and level of training.
Participants gain exposure to real infrastructure projects, road construction planning, financial systems, and project management processes.
Fields Offered
The SANRAL Development Programme covers a variety of career fields, including:
1. Civil Engineering
- Road design and construction
- Pavement engineering
- Traffic engineering
- Infrastructure planning
- Site supervision and quality control
2. Electrical Engineering
- Road lighting systems
- Intelligent transport systems
- Electrical infrastructure maintenance
3. Mechanical Engineering
- Plant and equipment management
- Maintenance systems
4. Finance and Accounting
- Financial management
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Supply chain management
- Internal auditing
5. Human Resources and Administration
- Talent management
- Organisational development
- Labour relations
6. Information Technology (IT)
- Systems support
- Network management
- Data analysis
These fields are aligned with national development priorities and infrastructure expansion projects.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the SANRAL Development Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
General Requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old (depending on programme category)
- Must not have extensive prior work experience in the field (for internships/graduate programmes)
- Must have strong communication skills
- Must be willing to relocate if required
Educational Qualifications:
For Graduate Development Programme:
- Bachelor’s Degree or BTech in relevant field (e.g., Civil Engineering, Finance, IT, HR)
For Internship Programme:
- National Diploma or Degree in relevant discipline
For Bursary Programme:
- Strong Grade 12 results with:
- Mathematics (Pure Mathematics)
- Physical Science
- English
For Candidate Engineer Programme:
- Accredited Engineering qualification
- Registration (or eligibility for registration) with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
Skills and Competencies Required
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Computer literacy
- Attention to detail
- Willingness to learn
- Professional work ethic
Engineering applicants must also show strong technical understanding and the ability to interpret drawings and specifications.
Benefits of the SANRAL Development Programme
Participating in the SANRAL Development Programme offers numerous benefits:
- Structured mentorship by experienced professionals
- Exposure to large-scale national infrastructure projects
- Monthly stipend (for internships and graduate programmes)
- Professional registration support (for engineers and technicians)
- Workplace experience that enhances employability
- Networking opportunities within the public sector
The programme also strengthens candidates’ CVs, making them competitive in both public and private sector industries.
Application Process
Applicants interested in the SANRAL Development Programme 2026 should:
- Prepare a detailed CV.
- Include certified copies of:
- ID document
- Academic transcripts
- Qualifications
- Apply through the official SANRAL careers portal when the programme is advertised.
- Ensure applications are submitted before the closing date.
Late applications are usually not considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and assessments.
Why Choose SANRAL?
Working with SANRAL means contributing directly to South Africa’s infrastructure growth and economic development. Roads connect communities, support trade, and create jobs. By joining the SANRAL Development Programme, you become part of a mission that improves lives across the country.
For young graduates and students looking for meaningful work experience in engineering, finance, or management, this programme offers structured growth, professional development, and long-term career potential.
Final Thoughts
The SANRAL Development Programme 2026 is an excellent opportunity for ambitious South African youth seeking career development in infrastructure, engineering, finance, and administration. With strong mentorship, practical exposure, and professional support, the programme prepares participants for sustainable careers in the transport and public infrastructure sector.
📧 SANRAL Head Office (General contact): info@sanral.co.za — suitable for general enquiries about development programmes and training opportunities.
📧 Northern Region (Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga & Limpopo) applications: internshipsNR@nra.co.za — use this if you’re in the northern region and applying for internships or training opportunities.
📧 Eastern Region (KwaZulu-Natal & Free State): internshipsER@nra.co.za — use this address when applying for opportunities in SANRAL’s Eastern region.
📧 Southern Region (Eastern Cape): internshipsSR@nra.co.za — to apply for internships or work-integrated learning in the Eastern Cape.
📧 Western & Northern Cape: internshipsWR@nra.co.za — for placements and training in the Western and Northern Cape regions.
Tips for Your Email Application
When you send your application email, be sure to include:
✔ Subject line: Clear and specific—for example:
“Application for SANRAL Development Programme 2026 – [Your Full Name]”
✔ Attachments:
• Your CV
• Certified copies of your qualifications
• Identity document
• Cover letter explaining your interest and why you qualify
✔ Cover letter should include:
• Which programme you’re applying for (e.g., internship, graduate programme)
• Your relevant qualifications
• Your contact information