The South African Government is rolling out an exciting array of Internship Programmes for 2025/2026, designed to empower unemployed graduates and undergraduates aged 18-35 with practical work experience. These 24-month developmental programmes, offered by various government departments and entities, provide hands-on training, mentorship, and career-building opportunities across South Africa. If you’re ready to kickstart your career in public service, now is the time to apply!
Application Deadline: Most programmes close between 5-12 September 2025. Act fast!
Location: Opportunities available nationwide (Pretoria, Johannesburg, Limpopo, and more).
Why Choose a Government Internship?
- Duration: 24 months (some 12 months).
- Stipend: R5,475–R11,172/month (varies by programme).
- Eligibility: Unemployed South African citizens aged 18-35 with no prior participation in similar programmes.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and potential pathways to permanent roles.
- Equity Focus: Preference for candidates from designated groups per the Employment Equity Act, but all qualified applicants are welcome.
These programmes are ideal for building skills in fields like public administration, law, engineering, communication, and more, while contributing to South Africa’s development.
Available Internship Programmes for 2025/2026
Below is a comprehensive list of open internship and learnership opportunities. Each programme offers unique exposure to public service roles, with clear application instructions and deadlines.
1. Department of Employment and Labour: Graduate Internships
- Focus: Occupational health & safety, employer services, inspections, and compliance.
- Fields: Engineering, Law, Environmental Health, BCom, Public Administration.
- Requirements: National Diploma/Bachelor’s (NQF6/7), valid driver’s license (advantage), aged 18-35.
- Stipend: R7,860.40/month.
- Locations: Pretoria (Head Office) and provincial offices (e.g., Free State, Gauteng).
- Closing Date: 12 September 2025.
- Apply: Email applications (e.g., Jobs-CF27@labour.gov.za) or hand-deliver to provincial offices. Submit Z83 form, CV, and certified ID/qualifications in one PDF.
- Enquiries: Contact provincial offices (e.g., Mr. Manelisi Luxande, Free State: 066 304 3469).
- Official Site: labour.gov.za
2. Office of the Premier: Internships
- Focus: Public administration, governance, policy support, and delivery units.
- Fields: Public Administration, Governance, Management.
- Requirements: National Diploma/Bachelor’s, aged 18-35, no prior internships.
- Stipend: R7,450.75/month (e.g., Limpopo).
- Locations: Gauteng, Limpopo, Free State.
- Closing Date: 5 September 2025.
- Apply: Email (e.g., kelebogile.phahlo@fspremier.gov.za for Free State) or hand-deliver. Submit Z83 form, CV, certified ID/qualifications.
- Enquiries: Ms. Phahladira ML (015 287 6371).
- Official Site: Provincial premier websites (e.g., limpopo.gov.za).
3. National Youth Development Agency (NYDA): Internships
- Focus: Youth development, supply chain, HR, finance, auditing, public management.
- Fields: Supply Chain, HR, Finance, Public Management, Auditing.
- Requirements: National Diploma/Bachelor’s, aged 18-35, unemployed.
- Stipend: R8,000/month.
- Locations: National and regional NYDA offices.
- Closing Date: 5 September 2025 (extended to 8 September in some regions).
- Apply: Via NYDA ERP Portal (erp.nyda.gov.za/jobs) or email (apprenticeship@nyda.gov.za). Submit Z83 form, CV, certified documents.
- Enquiries: 087 158 4742.
- Official Site: nyda.gov.za.
4. Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL): Internships
- Focus: Road infrastructure, corporate services, engineering, legal, finance, supply chain.
- Fields: HR, Civil Engineering, Law, Supply Chain Management.
- Requirements: National Diploma/Bachelor’s, Limpopo residents preferred, aged 18-35.
- Stipend: R7,210/month.
- Location: Polokwane, Limpopo.
- Closing Date: 12 September 2025.
- Apply: Hand-deliver or post to Human Resource Management Division, 26 Rabe Street, Polokwane (Private Bag X9554, 0700). Submit Z83 form, CV, certified ID/qualifications.
- Enquiries: Ms. Doris Moloto (015 284 4600).
- Official Site: ral.co.za.
5. Joburg City Theatres: Internships
- Focus: Arts, theatre operations, HR, engineering, performing arts, ICT, customer service.
- Fields: HR, Electrical Engineering, Performing Arts, IT, Finance.
- Requirements: Grade 12 + National Diploma, Johannesburg residents preferred, aged 18-35.
- Stipend: R5,475–R6,094/month.
- Locations: Joburg Theatre, Soweto Theatre, Roodepoort Theatre.
- Closing Date: 8 September 2025.
- Apply: Email (jobapplications1@joburgtheatre.com or jobapplications2@joburgtheatre.com). Submit cover letter, CV, certified ID/qualifications.
- Enquiries: Mr. Thomas Sadiki.
- Official Site: joburgtheatre.com.
6. Limpopo Department of Transport: Traffic Officer Learnerships
- Focus: Traffic law enforcement, road safety, investigations (154 posts across districts).
- Requirements: Grade 12, valid Code B driver’s license, medical certificate, no criminal record, aged 18-35.
- Stipend: R67,675.56/year.
- Locations: Capricorn (31 posts), Mopani (32 posts), other Limpopo districts.
- Closing Date: 5 September 2025.
- Apply: Via e-Recruitment (erecruitment.limpopo.gov.za). Submit Z83 form, CV, certified ID/Matric/driver’s license/medical certificate.
- Enquiries: Ms. Mahlako Mphahlele (015 294 8234).
- Official Site: limpopo.gov.za.
7. Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA): Internships
- Focus: Legal, supply chain, logistics, purchasing, built environment, business management.
- Fields: LLB, Supply Chain, Logistics, Built Environment, Business Management.
- Requirements: National Diploma/Bachelor’s, aged under 35, unemployed.
- Stipend: R11,172.49/month.
- Location: Johannesburg.
- Closing Date: 7 September 2025.
- Apply: Email (recruitment@shra.org.za). Submit SHRA application form, CV, certified ID/qualifications/proof of address.
- Enquiries: info@shra.org.za.
- Official Site: shra.org.za.
8. Department of Public Works and Infrastructure: Entry-Level Jobs
- Focus: Administration, maintenance, infrastructure project support.
- Fields: Admin, Clerical, Maintenance.
- Requirements: Grade 12, some roles require Diploma, aged 18-35.
- Stipend: R7,000–R10,000/month (varies).
- Locations: Various (e.g., Pretoria, Kimberley).
- Closing Date: 12 September 2025.
- Apply: Email (e.g., RecruitPE24-03@dpw.gov.za) or regional offices. Submit Z83 form, CV.
- Enquiries: Mr. S Xulu (Kimberley: 053 838 5334).
- Official Site: publicworks.gov.za.
9. Department of Justice: Entry-Level Administration Clerks
- Focus: Clerical support in courts (filing, enquiries, financial admin).
- Fields: Administration, Clerical.
- Requirements: Grade 12, typing skills, computer literacy, no experience required.
- Salary: R216,417–R254,928/year.
- Locations: Magistrate courts nationwide.
- Closing Date: 8 September 2025.
- Apply: Email to provincial heads (e.g., fsapplications@justice.gov.za). Submit Z83 form, CV, certified ID/Grade 12.
- Enquiries: Mr. A Jilana (043 702 7000).
- Official Site: justice.gov.za.
10. Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS): Entry-Level Admin Clerks
- Focus: Admin support for correctional oversight (complaints, HR, inspections).
- Fields: Administration, Clerical.
- Requirements: Grade 12, computer literacy, aged 18-35 preferred.
- Salary: R104,073–R269,499/year (Level 2-6).
- Locations: Various (e.g., KwaZulu-Natal, Pretoria).
- Closing Date: 5 September 2025.
- Apply: Email to regional offices (e.g., KZNMRrecruitment@jics.gov.za). Submit Z83 form, CV, certified documents.
- Enquiries: 012 321 0303.
- Official Site: jics.gov.za.
11. Government Communication and Information System (GCIS): Entry-Level Jobs
- Focus: Communication, media, admin, social media support.
- Fields: Communication, Journalism, Public Administration.
- Requirements: Grade 12 + Diploma/Bachelor’s in relevant fields.
- Salary: R269,499/year (Level 6).
- Location: Pretoria.
- Closing Date: 5 September 2025.
- Apply: Hand-deliver/email to Tshedimosetso House, Pretoria (recruitment5@gcis.gov.za). Submit Z83 form, CV.
- Enquiries: Ms. Rachel Sekhu (012 473 0254).
- Official Site: gcis.gov.za.
How to Apply Successfully
- Prepare Documents: Download the Z83 form from dpsa.gov.za. Submit a detailed CV; certified copies of ID/qualifications only if shortlisted.
- Tailor Your Application: Highlight relevant skills (e.g., admin, communication) and passion for public service.
- Act Fast: Deadlines are strict (5-12 September 2025). Late applications are not accepted.
- Vetting: Be prepared for criminal, credit, and qualification checks.
- Equity & Accessibility: Disclose disabilities for accommodations; programmes prioritize underrepresented groups.
- Application Channels: Use official email, e-recruitment portals, or hand-delivery as specified.
Tips to Stand Out
- Craft a Strong CV: Emphasize relevant qualifications, skills, and any volunteer/community work.
- Research the Department: Align your application with the department’s mission (e.g., NYDA’s youth focus, SHRA’s housing goals).
- Follow Instructions: Use correct reference numbers and submit in one PDF where required.
- Check Official Sites: Verify details on departmental websites or dpsa.gov.za for updates.
Why These Programmes Matter
These internships align with South Africa’s National Development Plan to empower youth, reduce unemployment, and build skills for public service. Successful candidates may secure permanent roles or gain transferable skills for private-sector careers. With competitive stipends and structured training, these opportunities are a gateway to professional growth.
Ready to Apply? Don’t miss out on these career-defining opportunities. Visit the official websites or contact the listed enquiry numbers for guidance. For CV-building tips or application support, leave a comment or contact us at CareerBoostSA!
Stay Updated: Follow dpsa.gov.za or departmental social media for the latest opportunities.
