The Department of Employment and Labour is looking for unemployed South African graduates to join the SA Youth Project 20K Internship Programme 2026. This is a 24‑month paid internship that gives you real work experience in different offices around the country. If you are a recent graduate who has never done an internship before, you can apply before 5 December 2025.
What the Internship Looks Like
The programme is open to South African citizens who are currently out of work. It is not a paid job – you get a stipend – but it lets you learn how government offices work, build a CV and make connections that will help you find a full‑time job later. The Department wants to help young people, people with disabilities and those from disadvantaged groups, so they will get priority when they apply.
The internship is split into different posts. Some are office‑based in Pretoria, others are on the road across provinces. All positions last for two years and have a monthly payment of about R7 860.50.
How to Apply
- Go to SAYouth.mobi and search for Project 20K.
- Submit your application on the new online form.
- Don’t use the old “Z83” system – those applications will be ignored.
- After you are shortlisted, you’ll need to send certified copies of your ID, matric certificate and university transcripts.
- If you’re applying to a post outside your province, you’ll have to arrange your own accommodation and travel.
- If you don’t hear back within 8 weeks after the deadline, the application was not successful.
To apply, click on the link below:
- Apply for the Department of Employment and Labour Graduate Internship Programme 2026 – https://sayouth.mobi/Home/Index/EN.
(Type “Project 20K” on the page to see all job listings.)
Internship Posts (24 months)
Below are the roles available. Each role has its own skill requirements and tasks. All positions are in the Head Office in Pretoria or in provincial offices.
Remote ICT Technicians (4 posts)
- Reference: HRP20KRIT/HO
- Stipend: R7 860.50 per month
- Requirements: National Diploma (NQF 6) or Degree (NQF 7) in Information Technology; A+ or N+ certification.
- What you’ll do: Provide remote support, solve desktop problems, help users create accounts and handle IT service calls.
ICT Service Desk Agents (4 posts)
- Reference: HR/P20K/ISDA/HO
- Requirements: Higher Certificate or Diploma in ICT (NQF 5); A+ Certificate.
- What you’ll do: Record incidents on the IT service system, manage call assignments, track progress and keep the system updated.
Contract & Licence Controller (ICT) (5 posts)
- Reference: HR/P20K/CLC/HO
- Requirements: Diploma or Degree in Business Management, Logistics, Finance, IT, Law or a related field.
- What you’ll do: Support IT agreements, keep track of contracts, help with software purchasing and renewals.
Asset Management Officer (ICT) (3 posts)
- Reference: HR/P20K/AMO/HO
- Requirements: Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain, Asset Management, Public Management, Finance, Accounting or Auditing.
- What you’ll do: Manage store records, keep an inventory of IT equipment, and help buy or dispose of assets.
Administration Clerk (ICT) (1 post)
- Reference: HR/P20K/IADC/HO
- Requirements: Diploma or Degree in Public Administration, Office Management, Business Management, Management Assistance or Governance.
- What you’ll do: Handle office paperwork, file documents, type reports, update user databases.
Field ICT Technicians (50 posts)
- Reference: per province (HO, GP, KZN, EC, WC, LP, MP, NW, FS, NC)
- Stipend: R7 860.50
- Requirements: Diploma or Degree in IT, Information Systems, Computer Engineering or Computer Science.
- What you’ll do: Fix desktops and printers, support local area networks, install devices and manage service calls.
Labour Market Information & Statistics (2 posts)
- Reference: HR/P20K/LMIS/HO
- Requirements: Diploma or Degree in Economics, Statistics, Data Analytics or Social Sciences.
- What you’ll do: Collect and analyse data, write reports, identify trends, and work with other teams.
Labour Market Monitoring & Information (2 posts)
- Reference: HR/P20K/LMM & LMI/HO
- Requirements & duties: Same as the LMIS role above.
Library (LMIS) (1 post)
- Reference: HR/P20K/IL/HO
- Requirements: Diploma or Degree in Library & Information Science.
- What you’ll do: Run daily library tasks, catalogue books, and help library users find resources.
Digital Content Creator (1 post)
- Reference: HR/P20K/DCC/HO
- Requirements: Diploma (NQF 6) in Graphic Design, Multimedia or Visual Communication.
- What you’ll do: Design online material, create visuals for campaigns, edit photos and videos, and keep branding consistent.
Researcher (1 post)
- Reference: HR/P20K/RSC/HO
- Requirements: Diploma or Degree in Public Administration, Social Sciences or Economics.
- What you’ll do: Review research reports, analyse data, produce research outputs and collaborate with stakeholders.
Why You Should Consider This
- Real work experience – you’ll see how a government department runs every day.
- Paid stipend – keep your expenses covered for two years.
- Career building – add a strong internship to your CV that shows you can work in a professional environment.
- Networking – meet people in different departments and provinces.
- Support for disadvantaged groups – if you’re from a group that the Department specifically supports, your application gets extra consideration.
If you’re a recent graduate, still looking for a job, and want to learn new skills, this programme could be a great next step. Remember to apply by 5 December 2025 and follow the instructions above. Good luck!