The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) is looking for fresh graduates to join its Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme for 2026/2027. This is a paid, one‑year job that gives you real work experience in South Africa’s public sector. If you have a degree or diploma and are currently without a job, you can apply for a stipend that ranges from R5,000 to R7,000 a month depending on your qualification level.
Where can you work?
PSIRA has openings in several provinces:
- Gauteng
- Eastern Cape
- Western Cape
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Free State
- KwaZulu‑Natal
You can choose a location that suits you or that matches your study area.
What does the programme offer?
- Length: 12 months of paid work
- Stipend:
- NQF 6: R5,000 per month
- NQF 7: R6,000 per month
- NQF 8: R7,000 per month
- Application: online through the PSIRA e‑Recruitment portal
- Fields: several job roles across business, security, research, records, finance, IT, supply chain, communications, health & safety, call centres, human resources, training, law enforcement and legal administration
The programme is meant to give you hands‑on experience in a national public body, help you understand how regulations work, and boost your CV for future jobs.
Which job areas are available?
| Field | Typical Location | Qualification Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Eastern Cape (Gqeberha, Port Elizabeth, Mthatha), Western Cape (Bellville), Limpopo (Polokwane), Mpumalanga (Nelspruit), Free State (Bloemfontein), KwaZulu‑Natal (Durban) | Diploma or degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Public Administration, Office Management & Technology, or a similar field |
| Security & Information | Gauteng (Centurion) | Diploma or degree in Security Management or a related subject |
| Research & Development | Gauteng (Centurion) | Bachelor’s or Honours in Social Sciences or similar |
| Records Management | Gauteng | Degree or diploma in Information Management, Information Science, Archival Science, or Records Management |
| Finance | Gauteng (Centurion) | Diploma or degree in Accounting, Cost Accounting or Management Accounting |
| Business IT | Gauteng (Centurion) | Diploma or degree in IT, Information Systems, Computer Science or a related area |
| Supply Chain | Gauteng (Centurion) | Diploma or degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics or a related topic |
| Communications | Gauteng (Centurion) | Diploma or degree in Media Studies, Marketing or Communications |
| Occupational Health & Safety | Gauteng (Centurion) | Diploma or degree in Safety Management, Occupational Health & Safety or Environmental Science |
| Call Centre | Gauteng (Centurion) | Diploma or qualification in Office Administration or Customer Service |
| Human Resource Management | Gauteng (Centurion) | Diploma or degree in Human Resource Management |
| Training | Gauteng | Diploma or degree in Business Management, Education, Training or Administration |
| Special Operations | Gauteng | Diploma or degree in Policing, Criminal Justice or Forensic Investigations |
| Law Enforcement Administration | Gauteng | Diploma or degree in Business Administration, Public Management or Office Management & Technology |
| Legal Administration | Gauteng | LLB degree or equivalent |
Who should apply?
If you fit all of the following, this could be the right chance for you:
- You are a South African citizen
- You are unemployed or looking for your first job after graduation
- You have an NQF 6, 7 or 8 qualification that matches one of the fields above
- You want to earn a monthly stipend while learning how a national public agency works
- You think a government job could improve your future career chances
How to apply
- Go to the PSIRA e‑Recruitment portal: https://erecruitment.psira.co.za/recruitment/#/browse-jobs
- Find the YES Programme that matches your study and location.
- Fill out the online form and attach all required documents (certificate copies, ID, etc.).
- Make sure you submit before the deadline – late applications are not accepted.
Apply now by clicking the link above and choosing the right role.
Why this programme matters
The YES Programme does more than pay a monthly stipend. It gives you:
- Practical public‑sector experience that you can show to future employers
- Insight into how laws and regulations guide everyday work
- A stronger résumé after one year, making it easier to land permanent jobs or internships in either the public or private sector
For many, the PSIRA YES Programme becomes a stepping‑stone toward a long‑term career in security or any related field.
Deadline reminder
All applications must be submitted by 16 January 2026. Don’t wait until the last minute – the competition is tight, and incomplete or late applications won’t be considered.
Good luck, and get ready to start a new chapter in your career!