By Charmaine Ndlela
The Durban Natural Science Museum has opened applications for its volunteer training programme, a one-year initiative set to begin in February 2026.
The programme is aimed at unemployed residents living in eThekwini Municipality.
Successful applicants will have an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience while contributing to a range of museum projects.
Volunteers will be placed across different departments, assist visitors with information, and help make museum visits more engaging, educational, and enjoyable.
To qualify, applicants must be 18 years or older and have a matric certificate that includes Life Sciences or Biology. Preference will be given to candidates with qualifications or experience in conservation, travel and tourism, marketing and/or education.
Speaking to Inside Education, Nokwanda Cele, a communicator at the museum, emphasised the importance of youth participation in the programme.
“[There will be benefit in] gaining experience in areas they may not have been exposed to before. Volunteers are placed in departments according to their qualifications,” said Cele.
She added that most participants are recent school leavers or graduates from tertiary institutions. “We give them the opportunity to gain workplace exposure and understand how professional environments operate.”
Cele said the experience can be especially valuable for first-time job seekers. “Many of the volunteers have never worked before, so this experience helps prepare them for future employment.”
Applications close on 19 January 2026.
INSIDE EDUCATION
