Stipend: Varies per placement
Duration: 24 Months (Fixed-Term Internship)
Employer: Department of Employment and Labour – South African Government
Locations: Nationwide placements – All provinces
Application Closing Date: 05 December 2025
Application Method: Online via SA Youth platform
A Major 24-Month Government Internship Opportunity for South African Graduates
The Department of Employment and Labour is inviting young, unemployed South African graduates to apply for a structured and fully supported 24-month internship programme designed to provide real workplace experience in public service. This national initiative forms part of the government’s long-term commitment to strengthening:
- Youth employability,
- Graduate practical training,
- Work-readiness development, and
- Transformation of the South African labour market.
This opportunity is ideal for graduates seeking to gain:
- Hands-on workplace experience,
- Professional development in a government environment,
- Exposure to administrative, technical, operational and strategic working environments within the public sector.
If you are a young graduate who has not previously taken part in a government internship, this programme offers one of the best career entry points into formal employment.
Who Can Apply – Eligibility Requirements
Applications are open to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Must be unemployed at the time of application.
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must not have participated in an internship programme before in the public sector.
- Must hold the required qualification in the field relevant to the internship placement.
Successful applicants will be placed in relevant units where they will receive structured mentorship, supervision and workplace learning exposure.
Employment Equity Commitment
The Department of Employment and Labour is committed to fair recruitment and transformation. Therefore:
- Priority will be given to candidates from historically disadvantaged backgrounds,
- Young applicants across South Africa are encouraged to apply,
- People living with disabilities will receive preference, and
- Recruitment aligns with the Department’s approved Employment Equity targets.
This ensures fair access to government training opportunities and supports broader national workforce development goals.
Programme Structure – What to Expect
This internship runs for 24 full months and includes:
- On-the-job practical learning,
- Exposure to real government systems and processes,
- Skills development aligned to workplace demands,
- Professional training in administrative and technical fields,
- Performance reviews and development guidance.
Interns will operate within government offices, helping strengthen public service delivery while gaining workplace experience that employers value highly.
Required Documents for Application
All applications must include:
- A fully completed Z83 application form, and
- An up-to-date CV capturing:
- Academic information,
- Skills and competencies,
- Personal contact details.
Do not send certified documents initially.
Shortlisted candidates will later be required to provide certified copies of:
- Matric certificate,
- Academic transcripts and qualification(s),
- South African ID.
These must be valid SAQA-recognised qualifications, with a National Diploma at NQF Level 6 (360 credits) or Degree at NQF Level 7 (480 credits).
Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an official SAQA evaluation.
Important Notes for Applicants
- Applicants who previously completed an internship programme will not be considered.
- Interns applying outside their home province must arrange their own accommodation and transport.
- All posts are subject to verification, screening, and assessment processes.
- Only shortlisted candidates will receive communication.
- If you do not hear back within 8 weeks after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Because of the large volume expected, the Department is unable to acknowledge individual submissions.
How to Apply – Submission Method
Applications must be submitted online through the SA Youth platform using the official portal below:
Apply Online:
Search for “Project 20K” at:
https://sayouth.mobi
This link provides access to the national application system where candidates can register, verify their profile, and complete their internship submission.
Shortlisted applicants may later be contacted for assessment dates, interviews, and document verification.
Closing Date for Applications
Applications must be submitted before:
- 05 December 2025
- 16:00 for walk-in applications
- 23:59 Midnight for online applications
Late applications will not be accepted.
Intern Position Example – Remote ICT Technicians (X4 Posts) (24 Months)
Reference: HRP20KRIT/HO
Monthly Stipend: R7 860.50
Location: Head Office – Pretoria
This is one of the available internship placements within the programme, offering exposure in Information Technology Service Management and remote support environments.
Minimum Requirements – ICT Internship Applicants
Applicants should hold:
- A National Diploma (NQF 6) or
- An Undergraduate Degree (NQF 7)
in:
- Information Technology, or
- Related technical computing fields.
Additional certifications such as:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA N+
will be considered an advantage and may improve placement competitiveness.
Key Responsibilities – ICT Intern
The successful ICT interns will assist with:
- Providing remote and telephonic IT support to users,
- Installing and troubleshooting desktop applications,
- Assisting users with account creation, login issues, and access support,
- Monitoring, updating, and escalating calls on the IT Service Management System (ITSM),
- Following service desk protocols and documenting troubleshooting steps.
These duties provide practical exposure to real-world IT service environments, which significantly improve long-term employability.
Contact for Enquiries
For assistance regarding applications:
SA Youth Contact Centre:
0800 727272
Explore More Government Internship and Entry-Level Opportunities
Find more structured youth opportunities online:
- Internships in South Africa
- Entry-Level Government Posts
- Department of Employment and Labour Vacancies
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