South Africa needs young people to step up right now, and the National Youth Service is offering a massive chance to earn, learn and serve your community.
What is the opportunity?
The National Youth Service Programme Phase V (2026) opens 100 000 paid community‑service posts across all nine provinces. It is a six‑month programme (384 hours) that gives you a stipend of about R1 547 per month, paid at R24.18 per hour.
Who can apply?
- South African citizens with a valid ID
- Aged 18 – 35 years
- Unemployed and not in full‑time education, training or work (NEET)
- Living in the municipality where the placement is located
- First‑time participants – you must not have taken part in a previous NYS phase
- People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
What will you gain?
- Monthly stipend of roughly R1 547 (≈ 64 hours of work per month)
- Practical experience in areas such as sports, environmental projects, learner support, early childhood development, food security, arts & culture, social services, data collection and voter education
- New skills that strengthen your CV and improve employability for future jobs, learnerships or internships
- Networking with community leaders and fellow participants
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Go to the SA Youth platform and create an account, or log in if you already have one.
- Check that your personal details, contact information and address are correct.
- Complete your SA Youth CV.
- Search for “National Youth Service” opportunities in your province.
- When you find a suitable posting, follow the on‑screen instructions and submit your application.
Start your application here: National Youth Service (NYS) Opportunities Phase V 2026
Tips to improve your chances
- Fill out every field on your SA Youth profile – incomplete profiles are often rejected.
- Publish a clear, up‑to‑date CV that highlights any volunteer work, school projects or community involvement.
- Use the search bar and type “National Youth Service” if the listings do not appear immediately.
- Make sure you meet the age and unemployment criteria before applying.
- Be ready to commit to the full six‑month period; the programme does not accept partial participation.
Next steps
This is one of the largest youth programmes in the country. If you are 18‑35, unemployed and eager to gain real‑world experience while helping your neighbourhood, apply through SA Youth today. Remember to keep your profile complete and submit your application before the deadline. Good luck on your journey to a brighter future!
