Department of Correctional Services is accepting applications for its Public Service Graduate Internship Programme for 2026/2027 and 2027/2028. The deadline is 09 July 2026 at 15:45, so act now.
What the internship is
The programme runs for 24 months and is open to recent graduates who want hands‑on experience in a public‑service environment. Interns are placed in South‑African correctional facilities or head‑office units, depending on the field.
Who can apply
You must have a National Diploma or a Degree (or LLB for legal posts) that matches the field you are targeting. The full list of eligible fields and the minimum qualifications are:
- Built Environment – Architecture, Civil or Structural Engineering, Architectural Technology, Interior Design or Landscape.
- Legal – Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
- Finance – Financial Accounting or Financial Management.
- Psychology – Degree in Psychology.
- Social Work – Degree in Social Work.
- Information Technology – IT diploma or degree.
- Supply Chain Management – Supply Chain diploma or degree.
- Theology – Theological Studies.
- Correctional Service Management – Correctional Services Management, Correctional Sciences, Penology, Criminology or Security Management.
- Occupational Health and Safety – Safety Management or Environmental Management.
- Agriculture – Animal Production, Plant Production or Horticulture.
- Kitchen / Bakery – Food and Consumer Science or Food Technology.
- Artisans – Trade qualification in Plumbing, Electrical, Brick‑laying, Welding, Motor Mechanics, Upholstery, Carpentry or Fitting.
- Clothing and Textile – Pattern Making or Clothing Design.
What you gain
- Monthly stipend of R8 174.75.
- Two‑year professional experience in a national government department.
- Opportunity to develop specialised skills in your field of study.
- Potential for future permanent employment after successful completion.
How to apply – step by step
- Obtain the official Z83 application form from any Public Service office.
- Complete the form and write the correct reference number for each post you want.
- Attach a detailed CV (no cover letter is required).
- Submit the form and CV to the appropriate address or email (see contact details below).
- If you are shortlisted, bring certified copies of your qualifications on the interview day.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that you have used the exact reference number for the position.
- Tailor your CV to highlight the qualification and any relevant work or volunteer experience.
- Proofread for spelling and formatting errors – a neat CV stands out.
- Apply separately for each field you qualify for; you cannot combine applications.
- Make sure the Z83 form is fully completed before the deadline.
Available positions and reference numbers
Head Office (Pretoria)
- Built Environment – HO 2026/06/01
- Legal – HO 2026/06/02
- Finance – HO 2026/06/03
- Psychology – HO 2026/06/04
- Social Work – HO 2026/06/05
- Information Technology – HO 2026/06/06
- Supply Chain Management – HO 2026/06/07
- Theology – HO 2026/06/08
- Correctional Service Management – HO 2026/06/09
Kroonstad Training College
- Information Technology – KSC 2026/06/10
- Supply Chain Management – KSC 2026/06/11
- Theology – KSC 2026/06/12
Zonderwater Training College
- Information Technology – ZWC 2026/06/13
- Supply Chain Management – ZWC 2026/06/14
- Theology – ZWC 2026/06/15
Gauteng Region
- Correctional Service Management – GP 2026/06/16
- Occupational Health and Safety – GP 2026/06/17
- Information Technology – GP 2026/06/18
- Supply Chain Management – GP 2026/06/19
- Agriculture – GP 2026/06/20
- Kitchen / Bakery – GP 2026/06/21
- Artisans – GP 2026/06/22
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West Region
- Correctional Service Management – LMN 2026/06/23
- Occupational Health and Safety – LMN 2026/06/24
- Information Technology – LMN 2026/06/25
- Supply Chain Management – LMN 2026/06/26
- Agriculture – LMN 2026/06/27
- Kitchen / Bakery – LMN 2026/06/28
- Artisans – LMN 2026/06/29
- Clothing and Textile – LMN 2026/06/30
Western Cape Region
- Correctional Service Management – WC 2026/06/31
- Occupational Health and Safety – WC 2026/06/32
- Information Technology – WC 2026/06/33
- Supply Chain Management – WC 2026/06/34
- Agriculture – WC 2026/06/35
- Kitchen / Bakery – WC 2026/06/36
- Artisans – WC 2026/06/37
Eastern Cape Region
- Correctional Service Management – EC 2026/06/38
- Occupational Health and Safety – EC 2026/06/39
- Information Technology – EC 2026/06/40
- Supply Chain Management – EC 2026/06/41
- Kitchen / Bakery – EC 2026/06/42
- Artisans – EC 2026/06/43
KwaZulu‑Natal Region
- Correctional Service Management – KZN 2026/06/44
- Occupational Health and Safety – KZN 2026/06/45
- Information Technology – KZN 2026/06/46
- Supply Chain Management – KZN 2026/06/47
- Kitchen / Bakery – KZN 2026/06/48
- Artisans – KZN 2026/06/49
Free State & Northern Cape Region
- Correctional Service Management – FS/NC 2026/06/50
- Occupational Health and Safety – FS/NC 2026/06/51
- Information Technology – FS/NC 2026/06/52
- Supply Chain Management – FS/NC 2026/06/53
- Kitchen / Bakery – FS/NC 2026/06/54
- Artisans – FS/NC 2026/06/55
Contact details for applications
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
Email: GPHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: 1077 Forum East Building, Arcadia Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0001
Postal: The Regional Commissioner Gauteng, Recruitment Section, Private Bag X393, Pretoria, 0001
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West Region
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
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
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
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
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
- Applications must reach the department before the closing date.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be asked for certified copies of qualifications.
- If you do not hear back within three months, consider the application unsuccessful.
- The department may carry out security clearance, vetting and qualification verification.
- Appointments are provisional pending security clearance.
- The department reserves the right not to fill any advertised posts.
Closing date
The final day to submit your application is 09 July 2026 at 15:45. Ensure all documents are complete and correctly addressed.
Next steps
Gather your Z83 form, update your CV, choose the reference numbers that match your qualifications, and send your application before the deadline. This internship could be the first step toward a rewarding career in the public sector.
