Get Your First Job in Public Service with the LGSETA Internship 2025/2026
If you’re a recent university graduate in South Africa and you’ve been hoping to get your first real job in public administration, policy, HR, finance, or development studies, the LGSETA Internship Programme 2025/2026 could be the stepping stone you need. It offers a 24‑month, full‑time paid internship that puts you in the middle of a public institution, gives you a steady salary, and lets you learn the ropes in a real workplace.
What is LGSETA?
The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) is the organisation that builds skills for the local government sector. It works with municipalities and other public bodies to create learnerships, internships, and training programmes. If you care about how local communities run and want to be part of that system, LGSETA is a good place to start.
Why This Internship is a Big Deal
Most fresh graduates face a “no experience, no job” trap. LGSETA’s internship cuts through that by giving you:
- A full‑time salary of R10 000 a month for the entire two‑year period.
- 24 months of hands‑on work in areas like policy, research, governance, HR, finance, and communications.
- Experience inside a national public institution—something that looks impressive on a CV.
- The chance to grow your network and get references that can help you after the internship ends.
A job at the end is not guaranteed, but your résumé will look far stronger than that of a graduate who never worked anywhere.
Where Can You Apply?
You can work in any of South Africa’s nine provinces, but you must apply only for the office in the province where you currently live. The programme runs in these locations (all are 1‑6 interns per office):
| Province | Office | Reference | Typical Fields |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Bedfordview, Johannesburg | GPO/01/2025 | Social Science, Policy, Development |
| North West | Klerksdorp | NWPO/01/2025 | Same |
| Limpopo | Polokwane | LPO/01/2025 | Same |
| Mpumalanga | Nelspruit (Mbombela) | MPO/01/2025 | Same |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | Durban | KZN/01/2025 | Same |
| Eastern Cape | East London | ECPO/01/2025 | Same |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley | NCPO/01/2025 | Same |
| Western Cape | Cape Town | WCPO/01/2025 | Same |
| Free State | Bloemfontein | FSPO/01/2025 | Same |
| CFO Division | Bedfordview, Johannesburg | FIN/01/2025 | Finance / Accounting |
| Communications & Marketing | Bedfordview, Johannesburg | COMMS/01/2025 | Communications / Media / Marketing |
| Human Resources Management | Bedfordview, Johannesburg | HR/01/2025 | HR |
Who Can Apply?
You must satisfy all of the following:
- Education – Completed high school and a 3‑ or 4‑year degree or advanced diploma in a relevant field (Public Administration, Development Studies, Social Science, Public Policy, Finance, HR, Communications, etc.).
- Age & Citizenship – You are a South African citizen and under 25 years old.
- Work History – You are currently unemployed, have no internship experience, and have no previous job in your chosen field.
- Skills – Good written and verbal communication, comfortable with MS Office (MS Project is a bonus), organized, and ready to sign a 24‑month contract.
How to Apply
Step 1 – Gather Your Papers
You will need:
- An application letter explaining why you want the internship.
- A 2‑page CV that focuses on skills and achievements, not long stories.
- Certified copies of your ID, matric certificate, degree or diploma, and academic transcripts.
Step 2 – Send Your Application
Email everything to careers@lgseta.org.za. In the subject line, write:
REFERENCE NUMBER – Internship – PROVINCE
Examples:
- KZN/01/2025 – Internship – KwaZulu‑Natal Provincial Office
- LPO/01/2025 – Internship – Limpopo Provincial Office
- FIN/01/2025 – Internship – CFO Division
Missing the correct reference or province name will mean your application is not considered.
Step 3 – Apply Only Where You Live
Applying to a different province automatically disqualifies you.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 5 December 2025 at 16:00.
- Late applications will not be accepted.
If you don’t hear back after the deadline, it’s likely your application wasn’t successful.
Quick Tips for a Strong Application
- Keep the CV clear, professional, and no longer than two pages.
- Make sure the subject line in your email matches the reference number and province.
- Double‑check that all certified copies are legible and up to date.
- Highlight coursework that ties directly to policy, local government, or research.
- In the cover letter, explain:
- Why you want to work in local government or the public sector.
- How your studies connect to real‑world projects.
- Your willingness to learn and stay for the full 24 months.
Ready to Start Your Career?
The LGSETA Internship 2025/2026 offers a solid foundation for anyone who wants a career in local government, public service, or related fields. With a steady salary, a long learning period, and hands‑on work in real projects, this programme can set the course for a bright future. Prepare your documents carefully, follow the application steps, and submit before the deadline. Good luck!