opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience within various branches across the country.
Closing Date: 21 November 2025
Walk-in applications close: 16:00
Online applications close: 00:00 (midnight)
About the Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship
The Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme 2025/2026 is a 24-month paid workplace learning opportunity designed to prepare young graduates for meaningful employment in the public sector. This initiative forms part of the department’s contribution to South Africa’s skills development agenda and aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional experience.
Successful candidates will be placed across Head Office (Pretoria) and all nine provinces, gaining exposure to real-world work environments within various fields, including inspection and enforcement, policy development, human resources, and employee wellness.
This internship is ideal for ambitious, qualified graduates seeking practical training within a national government setting.
Programme Overview
Duration: 24 months
Stipend: ± R7,860.50 per month (unless otherwise stated for specific posts)
Eligibility: Unemployed South African citizens who have never participated in any internship before
Equity: Preference will be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and persons with disabilities, in line with DEL’s Employment Equity Plan
What the Programme Offers
The Department’s internship programme provides structured, hands-on learning that includes:
Paid workplace exposure across multiple operational areas
Mentorship from experienced government professionals
Training in various functional units such as labour inspection, human resources, and administration
Opportunities to contribute to policy enforcement and service delivery
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme 2025/2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Must be a South African citizen
Must be unemployed and have never participated in a government internship
Hold a relevant National Diploma (NQF Level 6) or Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7)
Must be willing to relocate or arrange own accommodation if placed outside their home province
Must be able to undergo verification, pre-screening, and practical assessments where applicable
Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate
Internship Streams and Qualification Areas
Below are the available streams, including qualifications and provincial reference numbers:
1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) – ± 3,385 Posts
Stipend: R7,860.50
Qualifications: Environmental Health, Mechanical/Mechatronics/Electrical/Chemical/Construction Engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Engineering, or Occupational Hygiene.
Key Duties: Assist with inspections, incident investigations, and compliance reporting under the OHS Act.
2. Basic Conditions of Employment (BCEA) – ± 3,197 Posts
Stipend: R7,860.50
Qualifications: Labour Relations, BCom Law, LLB, or Labour/Commercial Law.
Duties: Support BCEA compliance inspections, investigations, and sectoral determinations.
3. Employment Equity (EEA) – ± 260 Posts
Stipend: R7,860.50
Qualifications: BCom Law, LLB, or Labour/Commercial Law.
Duties: Assist with Employment Equity inspections, investigations, and administrative duties.
Employer Audit Services (EAS) – ± 1,076 Posts
Stipend: R7,860.50
Qualifications: BCom Law, LLB, Accounting, Auditing, Financial Management, Cost and Management Accounting, or Internal Audit.
Duties: Support compliance monitoring for UIA, COIDA, and related labour legislation.
5. Head Office Placements (Pretoria)
Departments:
Office of the COO (PME, Operations) – Public Administration, Project Management, or Statistics
Office of the Inspector-General – Business Management, Local Governance, Financial or Public Administration
Corporate Services, HR, and OD Units – HRM, HRD, Public Management, Industrial Psychology, or Work Study
Employee Wellness and Gender, Disability & Youth Units – Social Work, Psychology, or Social Sciences
Policy, Research & Monitoring – Human Resource Management
These placements expose interns to the full operational structure of a major government department.
Documents Required
Before applying, ensure you have the following documents ready:
Fully completed and signed NEW Z83 form
Updated CV
If shortlisted, certified copies (not older than 3 months) of:
South African ID
Matric certificate
Academic record or transcripts
Proof of qualification (minimum 360/480 credits)
SAQA evaluation (if qualification obtained abroad)
⚠️ Applications using the old Z83 form will not be accepted.
Each application must reference the correct post number and province.
How to Apply (Project 20K)
Visit sayouth.mobi and log in or register.
In the search bar, type “Project 20K”.
Select the Department of Employment and Labour opportunity available in your province or at Head Office.
Complete the online application form and upload your NEW Z83 form and CV.
Ensure you quote the correct reference number for each post you apply for.
If shortlisted, you will be contacted to provide certified supporting documents.
Contact Details
For application assistance or inquiries, contact the SA Youth Contact Centre at:
📞 0800 727 272
Closing Date
The Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme 2025/2026 closes on 21 November 2025.
Walk-in applications close at 16:00
Online applications close at midnight (00:00)
Conclusion
The Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme 2025/2026 is one of the largest and most impactful public-sector internship opportunities in South Africa. With over 8,000 placements across provinces, it offers graduates a chance to gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s labour and employment initiatives.
If you are an unemployed graduate with the required qualifications, don’t miss this opportunity to develop your career within a national government department. Apply now through sayouth.mobi and take the first step toward a brighter future