Company: Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG)
Location: Pretoria (Head Office) and other provinces including Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape
Remuneration: R7,860.39 monthly stipend
Closing Date: 10 October 2025

Introduction
The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) has opened applications for its Graduate Internship Programme for the period 2026–2028. This programme is a structured opportunity for young South African graduates to gain hands-on public sector experience, mentorship, and skills development. It offers exposure across a wide range of functional areas, providing a solid foundation for a long-term career in government service.

What is the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) Graduate Internship Programme?
The Graduate Internship Programme is a fixed-term initiative designed to prepare recent graduates for future roles in government and public service. Over the two-year duration, interns will:

• Gain practical work experience in various functional areas
• Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals
• Earn a stipend of R7,860.39 per month
• Be exposed to technical, administrative, and policy-making processes in government
• Contribute to strengthening service delivery and governance capacity in South Africa

Minimum Requirements:

• A National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 6 or 7) in a relevant field of study
• Applicants must not have previously participated in any internship or contract post in the public or private sector
• Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA
• A comprehensive CV detailing academic history, past roles with start and end dates, current remuneration (if applicable), and at least two contactable references
• Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents before the interview process

Role Responsibility:
Interns will be placed in key functional areas such as:

• Corporate Branding & Communication
• Human Capital Management
• Information Technology / Computer Science / Informatics
• Legal Services
• Facilities & Security Management
• Community Work Programme (CWP) support roles
• Project and Special Programmes
• Financial Coordination and Supply Chain Management
• Internal Audit & Risk Management
• Disaster Risk Reduction, Preparedness, Response & Recovery
• Strategic and Executive Support
• Local Government Operations & Support
• Policy, Governance, and Administration
• Municipal Capacity Development
• Knowledge Management, Monitoring & Reporting

Skills and Attributes:
The programme seeks motivated graduates with the following skills and qualities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new skills
• Leadership potential and strategic thinking
• Commitment to ethical conduct and accountability
• Technical proficiency relevant to the chosen functional area
• Strong sense of responsibility and public service values

Selection Process and Assessment:

• Shortlisted candidates will undergo technical assessments and interviews
• A generic managerial competency assessment will be conducted, focusing on leadership, financial acumen, people management, and innovation
• Pre-employment screening will include criminal, credit, and qualification checks
• Successful candidates will serve a 12-month probation period and sign a performance agreement

Benefits of the Programme for Graduates:

• Practical exposure to real government operations
• Skills development in project management, policy, and governance
• Networking opportunities with professionals in the public sector
• A potential stepping stone toward permanent government employment
• Monthly stipend for financial support during the internship

How to Apply & Important Dates:

• Applications close on 10 October 2025
• Applicants must complete the new Z83 form (post-2021 version); older versions will not be accepted
• Applications must be submitted with a detailed CV
• Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit certified supporting documents
• Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Download Advert Here

Tips to Strengthen Your Application:

• Tailor your CV to highlight relevant academic modules, projects, or extracurricular activities
• Provide accurate start and end dates for all past roles
• Include reliable references who can confirm your skills and work ethic
• Be transparent about any past internships or contracts
• Prepare for technical and competency-based assessments by reviewing public sector skills such as leadership, governance, and financial management
• Ensure foreign qualifications are evaluated by SAQA before applying

Conclusion
The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) Graduate Internship Programme is an excellent opportunity for graduates who aspire to make a difference in the public sector. With structured mentorship, skill-building opportunities, and exposure to various government functions, this programme equips interns with the tools needed for impactful careers.