If you finished matric and are still looking for your first real break, this may be worth your time. Röhlig-Grindrod, a freight forwarding and logistics company, is taking on young South Africans for its 2027 Youth Employment Service (YES) programme. Below is what you need to know before you apply.
What is the YES Programme?
The Youth Employment Service is a national initiative that places unemployed young people in paid, 12-month work experiences. At Röhlig-Grindrod, the programme gives unemployed matriculants 12 months of practical exposure in freight forwarding, logistics and supply chain operations. The company’s adverts say on-the-job training will be provided, so you learn while you work.
A YES year also gives you something many first-time job seekers lack: a reference, workplace habits, and a line on your CV that proves you can show up and deliver.
Where Are the Positions Based?
Listings point to four offices:
- Sandton (Gauteng): based at the Head Office in Linbro Park, Johannesburg
- Durban (KwaZulu-Natal): based at the Grindrod House branch
- Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape)
- Cape Town (Western Cape)
Pick the office you can realistically get to every day. Transport costs can make or break a year-long placement.
Closing Dates
This is the most time-sensitive part:
- Sandton: closed on 26 August 2026, so that vacancy is no longer open.
- Durban: closes on 15 November 2026.
- Gqeberha and Cape Town: third-party listing sites give 15 November 2026 for both. I couldn’t open the official pages for these two, so confirm the date on the vacancy itself.
Today is 6 October 2026, so the open vacancies give you roughly five weeks. Don’t wait until the last weekend, because online portals tend to slow down near deadlines.
Who Can Apply? (Requirements)
The official adverts list these requirements:
- A completed matric with at least 50% in both English and Mathematics. The advert asks for 50% and above in English and Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy is not mentioned, so check with the company if that’s what you wrote.
- South African citizenship, and not older than 35. This is a Youth Employment Service programme, which is why the age limit applies.
- Currently unemployed.
- Never completed a YES programme before.
Some listing sites also say you must be available for the full 12 months in 2027. That is sensible to plan for, since the programme is a year-long commitment.
Qualities That Will Help You Stand Out
Röhlig-Grindrod lists several “advantageous attributes”. Meeting the requirements gets you considered, but these help you get shortlisted:
- Customer service orientation: the ability to cope in a demanding customer environment
- Problem solving and decision making
- Working under pressure and meeting deadlines
- Teamwork and clear communication
- Adaptability, because logistics changes by the hour
You can show these on your CV even without a job history. School leadership roles, church or community volunteering, part-time work, sport, and managing a household budget all count. Use short, concrete examples such as “organised transport for a team of 15 learners” rather than saying you are “hardworking”.
Documents to Prepare
The company asks applicants to submit a comprehensive CV, a matric certificate and an ID. Get these ready before you open the application page:
- CV: two pages at most, with your contact details, matric subjects and marks, skills, and two references.
- Matric certificate: a clear scan or photo. Listing sites warn that it should be readable and that you should enter your matric results accurately.
- ID copy: a clear, uncropped scan.
- A working email address and phone number, and check both daily after you apply.
Save each file as a PDF with a sensible name, such as Thandi-Mokoena-CV.pdf.
How to Apply: Direct Links
Applications are made online through Röhlig-Grindrod’s recruitment portal.
- Durban (open): https://rohligcoza.simplify.hr/Vacancy/199067
- Sandton (closed 26 August 2026, for reference): https://rohligcoza.simplify.hr/Vacancy/199103
- Gqeberha and Cape Town: I don’t have verified direct links. Go to the company’s portal at https://rohligcoza.simplify.hr and look for the “Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme” vacancy for your city.
Steps:
- Open the vacancy for your chosen city.
- Read the advert once more, especially the 50% English and Maths requirement.
- Click Apply and create a profile if asked.
- Fill in your details exactly as they appear on your ID and certificate.
- Upload your CV, matric certificate and ID.
- Submit, and keep a screenshot or confirmation email.
You can also check the application pages on Röhlig-Grindrod’s official website for any updates before you submit.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply early. Companies sometimes review applications as they arrive.
- Tailor your CV. Mention an interest in logistics, shipping, or supply chain, and say why you want this field.
- Be honest. Your documents will be checked against your application, so mismatched marks or dates can disqualify you.
- Keep your phone on and your inbox clear. Interview invitations are often short-notice.
- Prepare for the interview. Expect questions about why logistics, how you handle pressure, and a time you worked in a team. Read up on what freight forwarding is, so you can speak about it with some confidence.
- Beware of scams. A legitimate YES placement never asks you to pay a fee. Only apply through the official portal or the company’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need work experience? No. The programme is aimed at unemployed matriculants and training is on the job.
Can I apply for more than one city? The listings don’t say it is forbidden, but apply only where you can genuinely work for 12 months.
I’m 30. Am I too old? No. The cut-off is 35.
Is this a permanent job? It is a fixed-term contract. Treat it as a launchpad: work hard, ask questions, and build contacts, as strong YES participants are often well placed for later openings.
When does it start? Listings only say 2027, so check the vacancy for exact dates.
Final Word
A year inside a working logistics company can change the direction of your career. With the Durban closing date of 15 November approaching, gather your documents this week and submit a clean, honest application. Good luck!
Please note: details can change, so always confirm requirements and dates on the official vacancy page. This article is not affiliated with Röhlig-Grindrod.
If you’d like, I can turn this into a downloadable Word document or PDF.
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