
South African Government Internships
Company: South African Government
Location: Nationwide (Pretoria, Johannesburg, Limpopo, Free State, and more)
Remuneration: R5,475 – R11,172/month (varies by programme)
Closing Date: 5 – 12 September 2025 (depending on the department)
Introduction
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 developmental opportunities run for 12–24 months, offering stipends, mentorship, and career-building exposure across various government departments and entities. If you’re ready to kickstart your career in public service, now is the time to apply.
What is South African Government Internships?
South African Government Internships are structured training programmes aimed at providing unemployed graduates and matriculants with practical workplace exposure. By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on tasks, these internships prepare young South Africans for both public service and private-sector roles. Fields covered include administration, engineering, finance, law, HR, youth development, communication, and more.
Minimum Requirements
- South African citizen aged 18–35
- Must be unemployed and not currently in another internship
- Relevant qualification (Diploma, Degree, or Grade 12 for entry-level programmes)
- No prior participation in government internships
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Additional requirements may include driver’s licenses, medical certificates, or residency preference (varies by programme)
Role Responsibility
As an intern, responsibilities will differ depending on the department, but typically include:
- Administrative and clerical support
- Project coordination and reporting
- Assisting in research, compliance, and inspections
- Supporting HR, finance, or supply chain processes
- Contributing to public communication and service delivery
- Learning specialised tasks in law enforcement, engineering, or performing arts
Skills and Attributes
- Computer literacy (MS Office)
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Ability to work under pressure
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Communication (written & verbal)
- Integrity and accountability
- Willingness to learn and grow
Available Internship Programmes for 2025/2026
- Department of Employment and Labour: Graduate Internships
- Fields: Engineering, Law, Environmental Health, Public Administration, BCom
- Stipend: R7,860.40/month
- Location: Pretoria & provincial offices
- Closing Date: 12 September 2025
- Apply: Email Jobs-CF27@labour.gov.za or hand-deliver to provincial offices
- Enquiries: Mr. Manelisi Luxande (Free State): 066 304 3469
- Website: labour.gov.za
- Office of the Premier: Internships
- Fields: Public Administration, Governance, Policy Support
- Stipend: R7,450.75/month
- Locations: Gauteng, Limpopo, Free State
- Closing Date: 5 September 2025
- Apply: Email kelebogile.phahlo@fspremier.gov.za (Free State)
- Enquiries: Ms. Phahladira ML (015 287 6371)
- Website: limpopo.gov.za
- National Youth Development Agency (NYDA): Internships
- Fields: HR, Supply Chain, Finance, Public Management, Auditing
- Stipend: R8,000/month
- Locations: National & Regional offices
- Closing Date: 5 September 2025 (extended to 8 Sept in some regions)
- Apply: Via ERP portal erp.nyda.gov.za/jobs or email apprenticeship@nyda.gov.za
- Enquiries: 087 158 4742
- Website: nyda.gov.za
- Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL): Internships
- Fields: Civil Engineering, Law, Supply Chain, HR
- Stipend: R7,210/month
- Location: Polokwane
- Closing Date: 12 September 2025
- Apply: Post/Hand deliver to HR Division, 26 Rabe Street, Polokwane.
- Enquiries: Ms. Doris Moloto (015 284 4600)
- Website: ral.co.za
- Joburg City Theatres: Internships
- Fields: HR, Electrical Engineering, Performing Arts, IT, Finance
- 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
- Enquiries: Mr. Thomas Sadiki
- Website: joburgtheatre.com
- Limpopo Department of Transport: Traffic Officer Learnerships
- Fields: Traffic Law Enforcement (154 posts)
- Stipend: R67,675.56/year
- Locations: Mopani, Capricorn & other districts
- Closing Date: 5 September 2025
- Apply: Via erecruitment.limpopo.gov.za
- Enquiries: Ms. Mahlako Mphahlele (015 294 8234)
- Website: limpopo.gov.za
- Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA): Internships
- Fields: Law, Supply Chain, Logistics, Built Environment
- Stipend: R11,172.49/month
- Location: Johannesburg
- Closing Date: 7 September 2025
- Apply: Email recruitment@shra.org.za
- Enquiries: info@shra.org.za
- Website: shra.org.za
- Department of Public Works and Infrastructure: Entry-Level Jobs
- Fields: Admin, Clerical, Maintenance
- Stipend: R7,000–R10,000/month
- Locations: Pretoria, Kimberley, etc.
- Closing Date: 12 September 2025
- Apply: Email RecruitPE24-03@dpw.gov.za
- Enquiries: Mr. S Xulu (Kimberley: 053 838 5334)
- Website: publicworks.gov.za
- Department of Justice: Entry-Level Admin Clerks
- Fields: Administration, Clerical, Finance
- Salary: R216,417–R254,928/year
- Locations: Magistrate Courts nationwide
- Closing Date: 8 September 2025
- Apply: Email fsapplications@justice.gov.za (Free State)
- Enquiries: Mr. A Jilana (043 702 7000)
- Website: justice.gov.za
- Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS): Admin Clerks
- Fields: Administration, Clerical, HR
- Salary: R104,073–R269,499/year
- Locations: Pretoria, KwaZulu-Natal
- Closing Date: 5 September 2025
- Apply: Email KZNMRrecruitment@jics.gov.za
- Enquiries: 012 321 0303
- Website: jics.gov.za
- Government Communication and Information System (GCIS): Jobs
- Fields: Communication, Journalism, Public Administration
- Salary: R269,499/year (Level 6)
- Location: Pretoria
- Closing Date: 5 September 2025
- Apply: Email recruitment5@gcis.gov.za
- Enquiries: Ms. Rachel Sekhu (012 473 0254)
- Website: gcis.gov.za
How to Apply Successfully
- Download and complete the Z83 form
- Prepare a professional CV (no photos)
- Attach certified copies of ID and qualifications if required
- Submit via the official email or e-recruitment system listed per department
- Use correct reference numbers where specified
- Apply before the closing dates (5–12 September 2025)
- Follow instructions carefully – late or incomplete applications will not be considered
Why These Programmes Matter
South African Government Internships 2025/2026 are a stepping stone into public service careers. They align with the National Development Plan’s goals of youth empowerment and reducing unemployment.