Eastern Cape DSRAC Internship 2026 – Eligibility and Application

Right now the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is offering 11 paid internships to unemployed graduates – a chance to start a public‑service career while you earn a stipend.

What the internship programme is

The department has launched a non‑renewable 24‑month internship for unemployed South African graduates. It runs in several Eastern Cape towns, including Qonce, East London, Mount Ayliff, Komani, Maletswai, Gqeberha, Mthatha and Makhanda. The aim is to give you real work experience in sport, recreation, arts, culture, museums or heritage.

Who can apply

• South African citizen
• Unemployed graduate (no current job)
• Grade 12 plus the required National Diploma or degree for the chosen post
• No criminal record
• Live in the demographic area of the vacancy
• Never taken part in an internship before and not currently in another one

What you will gain

• Monthly stipend of R8 174.75
• 24 months of full‑time public‑service experience
• Hands‑on skills in strategic planning, human‑resource development, sport management, arts administration, museum work and heritage projects
• Exposure to departmental processes, reporting, stakeholder engagement and project implementation
• Professional references for future job applications

Available internship positions

Human Resource Development (Qonce)

Reference: DSRAC: 18/07/2026 – 2 posts

Needed: NQF Level 6 (National Diploma) or degree in Training & Development, Management of Training, or Human‑Resource Management (training major). Tasks include assisting with skills programmes, bursary administration, graduate and TVET projects, databases and youth‑development meetings.

Strategic Planning (Qonce)

Reference: DSRAC: 19/07/2026 – 1 post

Needed: NQF Level 6/7 in Policy Development, Public Management, Public Administration, Strategic Management, Social Science or Business Management. Duties involve supporting strategic sessions, preparing planning documents, taking minutes and gathering information from departmental programmes.

Cultural Affairs – Arts & Culture (BCM District, Ku‑Gompo City)

Reference: DSRAC: 20/07/2026 – 1 post

Needed: Qualifications in Arts & Culture Studies, Arts Management, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, or a BA in Music, Dance, Drama or Visual Arts. You will help coordinate arts programmes, maintain stakeholder databases and provide administrative support.

Cultural Affairs – Arts & Culture (Alfred Nzo District, Mount Ayliff)

Reference: DSRAC: 21/07/2026 – 1 post

Needed: Studies in Arts & Culture, History, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Social Science, Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Film or Fashion Design. Responsibilities include drafting concepts, organising meetings, minute‑taking, monitoring funded projects and supporting events.

Cultural Affairs – Arts & Culture (Chris Hani District, Komani)

Reference: DSRAC: 22/07/2026 – 1 post

Needed: Relevant qualification in Arts & Culture, Management, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Film or Languages. Prior exposure to arts administration or event planning is required.

School Sport and Recreation (Amathole District, Ku‑Gompo City)

Reference: DSRAC: 23/07/2026 – 1 post

Needed: NQF Level 6/7 in Sport Management or Human Movement Science. Knowledge of the MPP Conditional Grant framework and a Code 08 driver’s licence are advantageous. Tasks include supporting community sport programmes, tournaments, equipment management and reporting.

Cultural Affairs – Arts & Culture (Joe Gqabi District, Maletswai)

Reference: DSRAC: 24/07/2026 – 1 post

Needed: Qualifications in Cultural Studies, Arts Management, Public Administration, Library & Information Science, Heritage & Museum Studies, History, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Arts or Film. You will assist with project implementation, stakeholder relations, outreach and procurement.

Sport and Recreation (Nelson Mandela District, Gqeberha)

Reference: DSRAC: 25/07/2026 – 1 post

Needed: NQF Level 6 in Sport Management or Human Movement Science. Duties involve coordinating sport programmes, collecting data, preparing team lists, communicating with schools and clubs and compiling monthly reports.

Museums and Heritage – OR Tambo District (Mthatha)

Reference: DSRAC: 26/07/2026 – 1 post

Needed: National Diploma or degree in Anthropology, Marketing, History, Museology, Museum Studies, Archaeology or Indigenous Knowledge Systems. You will manage collections, conduct research, develop exhibitions and support marketing and visitor services.

Museums and Heritage – Sarah Baartman District (Makhanda)

Reference: DSRAC: 27/07/2026 – 1 post

Needed: NQF Level 6 in Tourism Management, History or Social Science. Responsibilities cover heritage‑resource management, cultural tourism projects, site audits and community awareness programmes.

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

1. Visit the Eastern Cape Government e‑Recruitment portal: Apply here.
2. Search for the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture vacancies.
3. Select the internship that matches your qualification and preferred location.
4. Enter the exact reference number shown in the table.
5. Complete all mandatory fields (personal details, education, work‑experience).
6. Upload a current CV, certified copies of your qualifications and any other documents requested.
7. Double‑check that all information is correct.
8. Submit the application before the deadline displayed for the chosen post.

Tips to improve your chances

• Match your qualification exactly to the post’s requirements.
• Proofread your CV and cover letter – no spelling errors.
• Include any volunteer work or projects related to sport, arts or heritage.
• Use the reference number in the subject line of any uploaded documents.
• Make sure your driver’s licence (if required) and any relevant certificates are scanned clearly.
• Apply early; the portal may close sooner than expected.
• Keep a copy of the confirmation email after you submit.

Next steps

If you have technical problems with the e‑Recruitment system, email erecruitment@ecsrac.gov.za. For questions about the programme itself, call Ms Z. Mhloma at 043 492 1338 or Ms R. Swartbooi at 043 492 0949.

Remember, this internship is a gateway into public service and a solid start to your career. Check the portal regularly for the closing date and submit your application today.