About Umngeni-Uthukela
uMngeni-uThukela Water is a state-owned enterprise and officially recognized water board that has been serving communities since its establishment in 1974. Following the merger with Mhlathuze Water, the entity adopted its current name on July 1, 2023. It is responsible for delivering bulk water and related services to various water service institutions and customers across its designated service region within the KwaZulu-Natal Province. Operating under key legislative frameworks such as the Water Services Act (Act 108 of 1997) and the Public Finance Management Act (Act 1 of 1999), uMngeni-uThukela Water is categorized as a National Government Business Enterprise.
The organization functions under the oversight of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), with its governance structured through a Board, which serves as its Accounting Authority. Leadership is provided by the Chairperson of the Board and the Chief Executive, ensuring accountability and effective management. The Minister of Water and Sanitation serves as the Executive Authority for Water Boards, reinforcing the entity’s role in advancing national water service goals and maintaining regulatory compliance within the public sector.
About the Umngeni-Uthukela Water Learnership 2025
Umngeni-Uthukela is on the search for applicants who would like to develop their future careers with a proper learnership focusing on the prospective Water field. The Umngeni-Uthukela Water Learnership Programme, supported by the Operations Division, offers a structured one-year opportunity in Water and Waste Water Treatment. This programme is designed for dedicated individuals who have successfully completed their Matric (Grade 12) with Mathematics and Physical Science. It is aimed at equipping candidates with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in the water sector, a critical and growing field within South Africa.
This learnership presents a valuable chance for driven and motivated young people—particularly recent matriculants—who show strong potential and an interest in water-related studies. It is especially suited for individuals who may wish to further their education but do not currently meet the entry requirements for tertiary institutions. Candidates must have studied Mathematics and Physical Science at Matric level and be ready to balance academic learning with practical work experience. The programme leads to a National Certificate in Water and Waste Water Treatment at NQF Level 2 and spans a full year, offering a vital stepping stone toward future employment or further qualifications in the water services industry.
The role will involve, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
- Participating in comprehensive theoretical and hands-on training
- Attending scheduled training sessions and classes
- Compiling and submitting a complete Portfolio of Evidence (POE)
- Performing practical tasks at water treatment facilities in the North East Region, specifically at the Richards Bay and Jozini Water Treatment Plants
The Umngeni-Uthukela Water Learnership is opening X20 positions.
Eligibility Criteria
If you’re confident that the Umngeni-Uthukela Water Learnership is the right opportunity for you, go ahead and submit your application! However, if you’re still unsure whether you’re the right fit, there’s no need to worry. Simply review the eligibility criteria listed below and carefully compare your qualifications to the standards set by the selection committee. To maximize your chances of being accepted, it’s strongly recommended that you meet all the listed requirements. While not meeting every criterion may not lead to automatic disqualification, it could significantly lower your chances of being selected for the learnership.
The Umngeni-Uthukela Water Learnership Eligibility Criteria are as follows:
1. Basic Requirements
- Ensure that you are currently unemployed
- Complete Mathematics and Science as part of your Matric subjects
- Confirm that you are 35 years of age or younger
- Reside in deep rural areas within the uMkhanyakude District or uMzinto District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal
- Apply if you are a person living with a disability, as such applications are strongly encouraged
- Refrain from applying if you have already completed a qualification at NQF Level 5 or higher
- Apply only if you are from areas that fall under uMngeni-uThukela Water’s service region, specifically uMkhanyakude and uMzinto District Municipality.
2. Other Requirements
- Submit proof of your physical home address with a letter from the Traditional Authority Office (note that this will be verified)
- Provide a certified copy of your Mid-Term School Report (ensure that you completed Matric within the same district where you currently reside)
- Attach a certified copy of your valid South African ID document
- Include your Matric certificate showing completed subjects in Mathematics and Physics
- Write and submit a motivation letter explaining your interest and reasons for applying.
Application Instructions
Apply via email: graduaterecruitment@uuw.co.za (Umngeni-Uthukela Water Learnership 2025)
The required documents to be submitted must include the following:
- A comprehensive CV
- A certified copy of the Grade 12 or Matric certificate
- A valid South African identity document
- A brief motivational letter explaining why the applicant deserves to be selected
- Proof of current residential address
- A recent mid-term school report
Please send in the following items:
- Include a detailed CV with your application
- Attach certified copies of your qualifications and academic record
- Provide an affidavit confirming your unemployment status
- Submit a certified copy of your ID.
Closing Date
Applications for the Umngeni-Uthukela Water Learnership must be submitted before the closing date on 25 July 2025.
Submitting your application promptly is highly encouraged, as early enrollment helps secure your place in the recruitment process. While applying early improves your chances of moving forward, it does not guarantee immediate acceptance or selection.
Any applications submitted after the official deadline will not be reviewed by the selection committee. Regardless of the qualifications or content, late entries will be automatically disqualified without exception.
Umngeni-Uthukela reserves the full right to extend or withhold employment offers at its sole discretion. All decisions made by the selection committee are final and binding, with no appeals permitted.
Company Details
Learnership Enquiries: +27 35 902 1050
Physical Address:
310 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg
3201 South Africa
Postal Carriage:
PO Box 9
Pietermaritzburg 3200
KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
Telephone Number: +27 33 341 1111
Email Adddress: info@umgeni.co.za
