Over 100 job opportunities have just opened up for unemployed South African youth — and the closing date is 08 April 2026. The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), is now accepting applications for the National Archives Digitisation Project, which forms part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP Phase 6). If you are 35 or younger and currently unemployed, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.
What Is This Opportunity About?
The National Archives Digitisation Project is a government-backed employment programme aimed at creating real jobs while helping preserve South Africa’s history. Successful applicants will work at the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA), based in Pretoria, Gauteng.
The work involves digitising, preserving, and managing national archive records — everything from old documents and photographs to audio-visual materials and historical files. This is meaningful work that contributes to protecting the country’s cultural and historical heritage.
The programme is part of PESP Phase 6, which stands for the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme. In simple terms, this is a government initiative that uses public funding to create jobs and give young South Africans workplace experience in professional environments.
How Many Positions Are Available?
This is one of the larger government employment programmes currently open. There are more than 100 positions available across more than 20 different roles. This means people with a wide range of qualifications and experience levels can apply.
Here is a breakdown of the available roles and what each requires:
Archivist Roles
- Archivist: Arrangement and Description — 15 posts available
- Archivist: Outreach and Publications — 2 posts available
- Archivist: Oral History — 2 posts available
Minimum requirement: A diploma or degree in Archival Studies or a related field.
Assistant Archivist Roles
- Assistant Archivist: Reading Room
- Assistant Archivist: Cartographic Material
- Assistant Archivist: Strong Room Registers
- Sensitive Records Assistant Archivist
Minimum requirement: Grade 12 or a relevant qualification, depending on the specific role.
Audio-Visual Preservation Roles
- Film and Video Preservation Assistants
- Sound Preservation Assistants
- Legal Deposit Audio-Visual Assistants
Minimum requirement: A diploma or degree in Film, Engineering, Audio Production, or a related field.
Administration and Records Roles
- Administration Officer
- Records Management Officer
- Sensitive Records Admin Officer
Minimum requirement: A diploma or degree in Public Administration or a related field.
IT and Systems Roles
- Systems Administrator — an MCSE certification is required for this role
- IT Support Officer
Minimum requirement: A diploma or degree in Information Technology.
Entry-Level Roles (Grade 10 or Grade 12)
If you do not yet hold a diploma or degree, there are still positions available for you. These roles are ideal for candidates who are just starting out:
- Scanner Operator — requires Grade 12
- Archive Assistant Housekeeping — requires Grade 12
- Conservation Assistant — requires Grade 12
- Driver-Based Role — requires a valid Code 10 driver’s licence and a Professional Driving Permit (PDP)
- Principal Auxiliary Officer — requires Grade 12
- Technical Support Role — requires a qualification in the built environment
Who Can Apply?
Before you apply, make sure you meet the general requirements for all positions. You must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be currently unemployed
- Be 35 years old or younger
- Meet the specific qualification requirements for the position you are applying for
There is one important note: if you have already taken part in a previous PESP programme, you are discouraged from applying again. These opportunities are intended to reach young people who have not yet benefited from the programme.
What Documents Do You Need?
Many applicants struggle with incomplete applications — and unfortunately, incomplete applications will not be considered at all. Make sure you have all of the following before you apply:
- An updated CV
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copies of your academic qualifications
- A certified copy of your driver’s licence, if the role you are applying for requires it
If this is your first time applying for a government programme, do not worry. A certified copy means a copy of your document that has been stamped and signed by a commissioner of oaths. You can get this done for free at most police stations or at certain banks.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once applications close, shortlisted candidates will go through a screening process. This includes:
- Citizenship verification
- A criminal background check
- Qualification verification
From experience, most successful candidates are those who submit complete, accurate documents and who apply for the role that best matches their actual qualifications. Applying for a role you do not qualify for reduces your chances significantly.
If you do not receive any feedback within 30 days after the closing date of 08 April 2026, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
What Will You Gain?
This programme offers more than just a job. Working at the National Archives gives you real workplace experience in a professional government environment. That kind of experience is valuable on your CV and can open doors to further opportunities in records management, archiving, administration, IT, and the arts and culture sector.
You will also be contributing to something that matters — the preservation of South Africa’s history and cultural records for future generations. That is work worth doing.
How to Apply
The application process is done entirely by email. Here is exactly what you need to do:
- Gather all your required documents: CV, certified ID copy, certified qualification copies, and a certified driver’s licence if needed.
- Make sure your CV is updated and clearly states the role you are applying for.
- Compose an email and attach all your documents.
- In the subject line or body of your email, include the reference number: RECR/PESP 6/03/26
- Send your email to: vacancies@nfvf.co.za
- Submit your application before the closing date of 08 April 2026.
Late applications will not be accepted, so aim to submit a few days before the deadline.
Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Application
With over 100 positions available, your chances are reasonable — but competition will still be real. Here are a few tips to help your application stand out:
- Apply for the right role. Read each position carefully and only apply for the one that matches your qualifications. Applying for multiple roles in one email can cause confusion.
- Include the reference number. Always include RECR/PESP 6/03/26 in your application. Missing this can result in your email being overlooked.
- Check every document before sending. Make sure everything is certified, legible, and complete. One missing document can disqualify your application entirely.
- Use a clear, professional email. If your email address is informal, consider creating a new one using your name before applying.
- Do not wait until the last day. Technical problems or delays can prevent a last-minute submission. Aim to apply by 06 or 07 April at the latest.
Take Action Before 08 April 2026
This is a real, government-backed opportunity with over 100 positions across many different fields. Whether you hold a diploma, a degree, or just a Grade 12 certificate, there may be a role here that suits you.
No one can guarantee that you will be selected — but what is certain is that you cannot be considered if you do not apply. Get your documents together today, write a clear CV, and send your application to vacancies@nfvf.co.za before the closing date of 08 April 2026. Use the reference number RECR/PESP 6/03/26 and give yourself a real chance.
