24-Month Graduate Internship Programme (x110 Posts)
Organisation: Department of Employment and Labour – Compensation Fund
Programme Duration: 24 Months
Number of Posts: 110
Monthly Stipend: R7 860.50
Closing Date: 27 February 2026
The Department of Employment and Labour – Compensation Fund invites suitably qualified unemployed graduates to apply for its 24-Month Graduate Internship Programme. This structured programme aims to provide practical workplace experience aligned with applicants’ academic qualifications and career aspirations.
The internship offers valuable exposure within the public service sector and supports graduates in developing professional skills, administrative competence, and workplace readiness.
Programme Overview
The Graduate Internship Programme is designed to:
- Provide relevant workplace exposure for a period of 24 months
- Enhance employability through structured training and mentorship
- Offer practical experience aligned to the graduate’s qualification
- Strengthen professional and administrative competencies
Interns will be placed in various provincial offices and Labour Centres across South Africa.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be currently unemployed
- Not have previously participated in any internship programme
- Hold a relevant qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher in an applicable field of study
This opportunity is ideal for recent graduates seeking to gain experience within the public sector.
Fields of Study
The programme welcomes applications from graduates in the following disciplines:
- Public Management
- Public Administration
- Business Management
- Finance
- Accounting
- Financial Management
- Human Resource Management
- Auditing
- Operations Management
- Office Administration
- Nursing
- Law (LLB / BCom Law)
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Financial Information Systems
- Related qualifications at NQF Level 6
Applicants should ensure that their qualification aligns with the internship post they are applying for.
Available Locations
Internship placements are available in multiple provinces, including:
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Gauteng
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- North West
- Free State
- Northern Cape
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
Applicants must submit their applications to the relevant provincial office as indicated in the official advertisement and clearly quote the reference number.
Key Responsibilities
Duties will vary depending on the placement area but may include:
- Claims registration and processing
- Medical payments verification
- Administrative support services
- Financial administration and budgeting assistance
- Asset management support
- Records management and filing
- Customer service and quality assurance
- Pension administration support
- Human Resource Management assistance
- Legal and compliance support
Interns will work under supervision and receive structured guidance to develop practical skills relevant to their field.
Stipend
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of R7 860.50 for the duration of the 24-month internship programme. This stipend is intended to assist with basic living and transport expenses during the training period.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A fully completed, initialled, and signed new Z83 Application Form
- A detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The new Z83 form is available from any Public Service Department or can be downloaded from the official government website.
Important:
- Applications submitted using the old Z83 form will not be considered.
- Do not submit copies of qualifications or supporting documents at the application stage.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies before the interview.
Online or Email Applications
For email or online submissions:
- Submit the Z83 form and CV only
- Combine documents into one (1) PDF file
- Clearly indicate the job title and reference number in the email subject line
Failure to follow these instructions will result in disqualification.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, which may include:
- Criminal record checks
- Citizenship verification
- Qualification verification
- Employment verification
- Credit record checks
Applicants must disclose any pending criminal, disciplinary, or other investigations. Any false declaration may lead to disqualification or termination of appointment.
Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), but only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit proof of evaluation.
The Department reserves the right not to fill the advertised posts.
Important Notes
- Closing date: 27 February 2026
- Walk-in applications close at 16:00
- Online/email submissions close at 23:59
- No acknowledgement of receipt will be sent due to high application volumes
- If you do not receive feedback within eight (8) weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful
Start Your Public Service Career
This Graduate Internship Programme presents a valuable opportunity for unemployed graduates to gain practical experience within the public service environment. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to build your professional career, ensure that you submit your complete application before the closing date.
Carefully review the official advertisement for reference numbers and submission details before applying.