Want to start a career in HR right now? NACOSA is offering a short‑term internship that can give you real‑world experience while you are still looking for a full‑time job.
What the opportunity is
NACOSA – a national non‑governmental organisation focused on health and social development – is looking for one Human Resources Intern. The role is based in Century City, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, and is labelled SEFHRINTERN – APRIL 2026. It is a paid internship that runs for a defined period (exact closing date not yet announced).
Who can apply
You must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Matric (Grade 12) certificate
- Relevant N6 (Diploma) from a recognised TVET college
- Basic knowledge of South African labour laws (BCEA, EEA, OHSA)
- Good command of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Extra points if you have used finance or payroll software before.
Eligibility notes
- Applicants receiving SASSA grants (except Child Support Grant) are not eligible.
- NSFAS funding recipients are not eligible.
- Current full‑time students cannot apply.
- The organisation encourages applications from designated groups and persons with disabilities, in line with Employment Equity.
What you will gain
The internship will let you practice core HR duties, such as:
- Daily administrative support to the HR team
- Maintaining employee records (contracts, leave, training)
- Assisting with recruitment – advertising, screening, interview scheduling
- Supporting onboarding of new staff
- Data capture, filing and document management
- Helping with payroll preparation (timesheet verification)
- Contributing to training sessions and wellness initiatives
- Ensuring compliance with HR policies and labour legislation
- Assisting in employee‑relations and disciplinary processes
In addition, you will develop personal competencies that employers value:
- Confidentiality and ethical conduct
- Organisational and time‑management skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to multitask and set priorities
- Teamwork and independent work capability
- Adaptability and eagerness to learn
How to apply – step by step
- Prepare a concise CV that highlights your education, any HR‑related projects and your computer skills.
- Write a short covering letter that explains why you want to work at NACOSA and how your background matches the internship duties.
- Gather supporting documents (Matric certificate, N6 diploma, ID copy).
- Visit the official application page: NACOSA HR Intern Programme 2026.
- Fill in the online form, upload your CV, covering letter and certificates, then submit.
- Keep a copy of the confirmation email for your records.
Tips to improve your chances
- Proofread your CV and letter for spelling or grammar errors – first impressions matter.
- Use keywords from the responsibilities list (e.g., “recruitment support”, “employee records”) to show relevance.
- If you have any experience with payroll or finance software, mention it clearly.
- Show enthusiasm for the NGO sector and for learning HR best practices.
- Follow up politely after one week if you have not received an acknowledgement.
Next steps
This internship can be a stepping stone into a full HR career. If you meet the criteria, gather your documents and apply today. Even if you are not selected, the process will give you valuable experience in preparing professional applications.
