The Department of Correctional Services Internships 2026 are open now, and you have a limited time to apply for a 24‑month paid placement that can jump‑start your career in the public sector.
What the opportunity is
The Department of Correctional Services is offering a Public Service Graduate Internship Programme. It runs for 24 months and pays a monthly stipend of R8 174.75. Interns work in various fields across South Africa, gaining practical experience in a government environment.
Who can apply (requirements/eligibility)
Only graduates who hold the required National Diploma, Degree or Trade Certificate for the specific field may apply. The programme is open to South African citizens and permanent residents.
Head Office – Pretoria
- Built Environment – Ref HO 2026/06/01 – Architecture, Civil, Structural, Architectural Technology or Interior Design Landscape.
- Legal – Ref HO 2026/06/02 – Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
- Finance – Ref HO 2026/06/03 – Financial Accounting or Financial Management.
- Psychology – Ref HO 2026/06/04 – Degree in Psychology.
- Social Work – Ref HO 2026/06/05 – Degree in Social Work.
- Information Technology – Ref HO 2026/06/06 – IT Diploma or Degree.
- Supply Chain Management – Ref HO 2026/06/07 – Supply Chain Management qualification.
- Theology – Ref HO 2026/06/08 – Theological Studies qualification.
- Correctional Service Management – Ref HO 2026/06/09 – Qualification in Correctional Services Management, Correctional Sciences, Penology, Criminology or Security Management.
Kroonstad Training College
- Information Technology – Ref KSC 2026/06/10 – IT Diploma or Degree.
- Supply Chain Management – Ref KSC 2026/06/11 – Supply Chain Management qualification.
- Theology – Ref KSC 2026/06/12 – Theological Studies qualification.
Zonderwater Training College
- Information Technology – Ref ZWC 2026/06/13 – IT Diploma or Degree.
- Supply Chain Management – Ref ZWC 2026/06/14 – Supply Chain Management qualification.
- Theology – Ref ZWC 2026/06/15 – Theological Studies qualification.
Gauteng Region – Pretoria
- Correctional Service Management – Ref GP 2026/06/16
- Occupational Health and Safety – Ref GP 2026/06/17
- Information Technology – Ref GP 2026/06/18
- Supply Chain Management – Ref GP 2026/06/19
- Agriculture – Ref GP 2026/06/20
- Kitchen / Bakery – Ref GP 2026/06/21
- Artisans – Ref GP 2026/06/22
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West Region – Pretoria
- Correctional Service Management – Ref LMN 2026/06/23
- Occupational Health and Safety – Ref LMN 2026/06/24
- Information Technology – Ref LMN 2026/06/25
- Supply Chain Management – Ref LMN 2026/06/26
- Agriculture – Ref LMN 2026/06/27
- Kitchen / Bakery – Ref LMN 2026/06/28
- Artisans – Ref LMN 2026/06/29
- Clothing and Textile – Ref LMN 2026/06/30
Western Cape Region – Goodwood
- Correctional Service Management – Ref WC 2026/06/31
- Occupational Health and Safety – Ref WC 2026/06/32
- Information Technology – Ref WC 2026/06/33
- Supply Chain Management – Ref WC 2026/06/34
- Agriculture – Ref WC 2026/06/35
- Kitchen / Bakery – Ref WC 2026/06/36
- Artisans – Ref WC 2026/06/37
Eastern Cape Region – East London
- Correctional Service Management – Ref EC 2026/06/38
- Occupational Health and Safety – Ref EC 2026/06/39
- Information Technology – Ref WC 2026/06/40
- Supply Chain Management – Ref WC 2026/06/41
- Kitchen / Bakery – Ref WC 2026/06/42
- Artisans – Ref WC 2026/06/43
KwaZulu‑Natal Region – Pietermaritzburg
- Correctional Service Management – Ref KZN 2026/06/44
- Occupational Health and Safety – Ref KZN 2026/06/45
- Information Technology – Ref KZN 2026/06/46
- Supply Chain Management – Ref KZN 2026/06/47
- Kitchen / Bakery – Ref KZN 2026/06/48
- Artisans – Ref KZN 2026/06/49
Free State & Northern Cape Region – Bloemfontein
- Correctional Service Management – Ref FS/NC 2026/06/50
- Occupational Health and Safety – Ref FS/NC 2026/06/51
- Information Technology – Ref FS/NC 2026/06/52
- Supply Chain Management – Ref FS/NC 2026/06/53
- Kitchen / Bakery – Ref FS/NC 2026/06/54
- Artisans – Ref FS/NC 2026/06/55
What you gain
- Monthly stipend of R8 174.75 – a solid income while you learn.
- Two‑year, full‑time exposure to correctional services operations.
- Professional skills in your chosen field – IT, finance, law, safety, agriculture, etc.
- Networking with senior officials and fellow interns.
- Potential for future employment after the programme.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Obtain the official Z83 application form from any Public Service department or download it from the Department’s website.
- Complete all fields accurately. Enter the exact reference number for each post you want.
- Attach a detailed, up‑to‑date CV. Do NOT include anything else on the form.
- Send the completed form and CV to the correct address or email (see “Application Addresses” below). For email submissions, put the reference number in the subject line.
- If you are shortlisted, bring certified copies of your qualifications and supporting documents to the interview.
- Make sure your application arrives before 09 July 2026 at 15:45.
Tips to improve your chances
- Read the qualification list carefully; a mismatch will disqualify you.
- Tailor your CV to highlight relevant coursework, projects or work experience.
- Proofread the Z83 form – spelling errors can delay processing.
- Submit early; applications received after the deadline are not considered.
- Prepare for a possible security clearance or background check.
Application addresses and contact details
National Head Office – Pretoria
Email: HQHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: 124 WF Nkomo Street, Poyntons Building, Corner WF Nkomo & Sophie De Bruyn Street, Pretoria, 0001
Postal: Department of Correctional Services, Post Advertisement Section, Private Bag X136, Pretoria, 0001
Gauteng Region – Pretoria
Email: GPHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: 1077 Forum East Building, Arcadia Street, Hatfield
Postal: The Regional Commissioner Gauteng, Recruitment Section, Private Bag X393, Pretoria, 0001
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West Region – Pretoria
Email: LMNHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Corner Johannes Ramokhoase & Paul Kruger Street, 196 Masada Building, 9th Floor, Pretoria, 0001
Postal: The Regional Commissioner Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West, Recruitment Section, Private Bag X142, Pretoria, 0001
Western Cape Region – Goodwood
Email: WCHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Peninsula Drive, Monte Vista, 7460
Postal: The Regional Commissioner Western Cape, Recruitment Section, Private Bag X14, Goodwood, 7459
Eastern Cape Region – East London
Email: ECHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Moore Street, Block E Ocean Terrace, Quigney, East London, 5211
Postal: The Regional Commissioner Eastern Cape, Recruitment Section, Private Bag X9013, East London
KwaZulu‑Natal Region – Pietermaritzburg
Email: KZNHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Correctional Services, Eugene Marais Road, Napierville, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Postal: The Regional Commissioner KwaZulu‑Natal, Recruitment Section, Private Bag X9126, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Free State & Northern Cape Region – Bloemfontein
Email: FSNCHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: 103 Zastron Street, Agrimed Building, Bloemfontein, 9300
Postal: The Regional Commissioner Free State & Northern Cape, Recruitment Section, Private Bag X20530, Bloemfontein, 9300
Important notes
- All applications must be received before the closing date.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be asked for certified copies of qualifications.
- If you hear nothing within three months after the deadline, assume you were not selected.
- The department may conduct security vetting, qualification verification and criminal record checks.
- Appointments are provisional pending security clearance.
- The Department of Correctional Services reserves the right not to fill any advertised post.
Closing date
The deadline for the Department of Correctional Services Internships 2026 is 09 July 2026 at 15:45. Make sure your Z83 form, CV and reference numbers reach the appropriate office before this time.
Final thoughts
This internship is a solid stepping stone for graduates who want real‑world experience in the public sector. If you have a qualification in IT, supply chain, finance, law, psychology, social work, agriculture, safety, correctional services, theology or related fields, submit your application now.
