National Empowerment Fund is offering a short‑term trainee role for unemployed South African graduates. The deadline is fast approaching – you have until 07 August 2026 to submit your application. If you want hands‑on experience in corporate governance, this could be your next step.
What the programme is
The NEF Secretariat Trainee Programme 2026 is an internship in Sandton, Gauteng. You will work as a trainee in the secretariat, supporting board and committee administration, statutory filing and compliance tasks. The position is listed under reference nef_000188 and is classified as an employment‑equity role.
Who can apply
You must be an unemployed graduate who has not held a full‑time job, completed an internship, or taken part in a learnership. You also need a bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma in a relevant field, such as:
- BCom Law
- LLB
- Public Management or Administration
- Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa qualifications
- Or a comparable qualification
Make sure your CV clearly shows the qualification, institution and graduation date.
What you will gain
The role gives you practical exposure to:
- Corporate‑governance principles (King IV, Companies Act)
- Board and sub‑committee meeting preparation
- Minute taking and agenda drafting
- Statutory registers and regulatory filings
- Governance research and reporting
- Professional use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Remuneration is described as market‑related. The exact stipend will be confirmed if you are shortlisted.
How to apply – step by step
- Visit the official NEF vacancy page and locate listing nef_000188.
- Create a new applicant profile or log in to an existing one.
- Complete every required field in the online form.
- Upload the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Copy of your South African ID
- Proof of qualifications (certificates and academic transcript)
- Any other files requested on the portal
- Double‑check that your qualification details are correct and that your contact information is current.
- Review the entire application for errors or missing items.
- Submit before the closing date.
Apply for the NEF Secretariat Trainee Programme 2026
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your CV to highlight any administration, legal or governance exposure.
- Mention specific modules or projects related to corporate governance, law or public administration.
- Show proficiency in Microsoft Office – especially Word for documents and Excel for registers.
- Proofread your application for spelling and formatting errors.
- Submit early to avoid last‑minute technical glitches.
- Use the exact listing reference (nef_000188) in any correspondence.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, gather the required documents and start your application today. Remember, the deadline is 07 August 2026. A well‑prepared application can open the door to a career in corporate governance, legal administration or compliance. Good luck!
