Right now the Free State Department of Human Settlements is offering a chance for unemployed graduates in the Free State to start a 24‑month internship that pays a monthly stipend of R8 174.75. The deadline is 21 August 2026 at 16:00, so you need to act quickly.
What the internship programme is
The department will take in 38 graduates for a two‑year graduate internship. You will work in a professional or administrative role and gain real‑world experience in the public sector.
Who can apply
To be eligible you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be born in, and currently live in, the Free State.
- Be unemployed.
- Have a Grade 12 certificate.
- Hold the qualification required for the specific post (see the table below).
- Never have taken part in a Public Service internship before.
- Complete the new Z83 application form, sign it and include all required details.
What you will gain
- A 24‑month contract that gives you hands‑on experience.
- A monthly stipend of R8 174.75.
- Exposure to fields such as IT, project management, finance, human resources, and more.
- The chance to build a professional network in the provincial government.
How to apply – step by step
- Download the new Z83 form from the Free State Provincial Treasury website.
- Fill in all sections – do not leave any field blank.
- Sign and initial the form where required.
- Write the exact job title, office or district, and reference number on the form.
- Attach a recent, detailed CV that lists your referees (phone and email).
- Send your application by one of the following methods before 16:00 on 21 August 2026:
- Email: recruit@fshs.gov.za. Use the subject line “Graduate Internship Programme – [Post Name] – [Reference Number]”.
- Post: Send to Head: Human Resource Management Directorate, Department of Human Settlements, P.O. Box 247, Bloemfontein, 9300.
- Hand‑delivery: Drop your envelope in the marked box at the relevant office (see addresses below).
Available internship positions
| Internship field | Reference number | Posts | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology District Services | HS 001/2026 | 2 | Bloemfontein |
| Project Management Unit District Services | HS 002/2026 – HS 006/2026 | 15 | Qwaqwa, Sasolburg, Welkom, Bloemfontein |
| Office Administration District Services | HS 007/2026 – HS 011/2026 | 10 | Qwaqwa, Sasolburg, Welkom, Bloemfontein |
| Administrators: Affordable Housing | HS 012/2026 | 1 | Bloemfontein |
| Rental Tribunal | HS 013/2026 | 1 | Bloemfontein |
| Housing Development and Planning | HS 014/2026 | 1 | Bloemfontein |
| Supply Chain Management | HS 015/2026 | 2 | Bloemfontein |
| Financial and Budget Management | HS 016/2026 | 2 | Bloemfontein |
| Internal Audit | HS 017/2026 | 1 | Bloemfontein |
| Human Resources Management | HS 018/2026 | 1 | Bloemfontein |
| Corporate Communication | HS 019/2026 | 1 | Bloemfontein |
| Labour Relations | HS 020/2026 | 1 | Bloemfontein |
Key requirements per category
Information Technology (HS 001/2026)
- Grade 12
- Minimum NQF Level 6 in IT, Computer Systems or Networks
- Basic knowledge of government policies
Project Management Unit (HS 002/2026 – HS 006/2026)
- Grade 12
- NQF Level 6 or 7 in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or related field
- Basic knowledge of government policies
Office Administration (HS 007/2026 – HS 011/2026)
- Grade 12
- Minimum NQF Level 6 in Office Administration or Management
- Basic knowledge of government policies
Affordable Housing Administrator (HS 012/2026)
- Grade 12
- Minimum NQF Level 6 in Public Administration, Office Administration or similar
- Basic knowledge of government policies
Rental Tribunal (HS 013/2026)
- Grade 12
- Minimum NQF Level 7 in Law or LLB
- Basic knowledge of government policies
Housing Development & Planning (HS 014/2026)
- Grade 12
- Minimum NQF Level 7 in Urban Planning, Town/Regional Planning or Development Studies
- Basic knowledge of government policies
Supply Chain Management (HS 015/2026)
- Grade 12
- Minimum NQF Level 6 in Public Administration, Supply Chain Management or Financial Management
- Basic knowledge of government policies
Financial & Budget Management (HS 016/2026)
- Grade 12
- Minimum NQF Level 6 in Accounting or Financial Management
- Basic knowledge of government policies
Internal Audit (HS 017/2026)
- Grade 12
- Minimum NQF Level 6 in Internal Auditing or Financial Information Systems
- Basic knowledge of government policies
Human Resources Management (HS 018/2026)
- Grade 12
- Minimum NQF Level 6 in HR Management, Public Administration or Management
- Basic knowledge of government policies
Corporate Communication (HS 019/2026)
- Grade 12
- Minimum NQF Level 6 in Corporate Communication or Media Studies
- Basic knowledge of government policies
Labour Relations (HS 020/2026)
- Grade 12
- Minimum NQF Level 6 in Labour Relations or HR Management
- Basic knowledge of government policies
Important documents
- Completed new Z83 form (signed and initialed).
- Recent, detailed CV.
- Contact details for at least two referees.
Do not attach certified copies of qualifications at this stage. Shortlisted candidates will be asked for those later.
Foreign qualifications
If your degree was earned abroad, you must obtain a SAQA evaluation certificate. The department may request it during verification.
Application addresses
Bloemfontein (hand‑delivery): Foyer of OR Tambo House, St Andrews Street, Bloemfontein, Free State. Place the envelope in the marked security box.
Qwaqwa (hand‑delivery): Department offices, Mampoi Street, Phuthaditjhaba, Free State. Use the security box.
Sasolburg (hand‑delivery): Mora Investments House, Erf 15 Fichard Street, Sasolburg, Free State. Use the security box.
Welkom (hand‑delivery): Department offices, Kopano Complex, 312 Long Road, Welkom, Free State. Use the security box.
Do not hand the application directly to staff members.
Key dates
- Application closes: 21 August 2026 at 16:00.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within four months.
Selection process
The department will check criminal records, finances, qualifications, references, employment history and may require a security clearance within three months of appointment.
Employment equity
The Free State Provincial Government follows affirmative‑action policies. Preference may be given to candidates who improve representation, in line with departmental equity objectives.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that the Z83 form is fully completed, signed and initialed.
- Make sure the job title, district and reference number match the vacancy you want.
- Proofread your CV for spelling or formatting errors.
- Provide accurate referee contact details; the department will call them.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for corrections.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, start the Z83 form today and gather your CV and referee details. Follow the step‑by‑step guide above and send your application before the 21 August deadline. Good luck – this could be the start of your professional journey in the public sector.
