Are you a recent graduate looking for real work experience right now? The Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism is offering a 24‑month graduate internship that could be your first step into the public sector.
What the internship programme is
The department is recruiting unemployed South African graduates for its Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027. The placement lasts 24 months and pays a stipend of R8,174.75 per month. Interns will work at the head office in Mbombela or at district offices in Bushbuckridge, Witbank and KwaMhlanga.
Who can apply
- You must be a South African citizen and currently unemployed.
- You need the qualification listed for the specific internship you are applying for.
- You must not have previously taken part in a national or provincial government internship.
- You must provide proof of residence issued by the relevant local municipality or traditional authority.
- Only one application per person is allowed.
What you will gain
- Practical, hands‑on experience related to your field of study.
- Structured training and mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Opportunity to work on real projects that support the province’s economic development and tourism.
- A monthly stipend of R8,174.75 to cover living costs.
Available graduate internship positions
| Internship | Reference No. | Required qualification | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication | DEDT 2026/27/01 | Communication, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or Media Studies | Mbombela |
| Financial Management | DEDT 2026/27/02 | Accounting, Financial Management, Financial Accounting or Cost Management | Mbombela |
| Internal Audit | DEDT 2026/27/03 | Diploma/BCom in Internal Audit, Auditing or Accounting Sciences: Internal Auditing | Mbombela |
| Information and Communication Technology | DEDT 2026/27/04 | ICT (three‑year diploma or degree) | Mbombela |
| Enterprise Development | DEDT 2026/27/05 | Business Management or Economics | Bushbuckridge |
| Regional Economic Development Programme | DEDT 2026/27/06 | Economics | Witbank |
| Trade and Investment Promotion – Mbombela | DEDT 2026/27/07 | Business Management or Economics | Mbombela |
| Trade and Investment Promotion – KwaMhlanga | DEDT 2026/27/08 | Economics | KwaMhlanga |
| Business Regulations | DEDT 2026/27/09 | LLB | Mbombela |
| Consumer Protection | DEDT 2026/27/10 | LLB | KwaMhlanga |
| Economic Planning | DEDT 2026/27/11 | Economics | Mbombela |
| Tourism | DEDT 2026/27/12 | Tourism Management or Tourism Development | Mbombela |
How to apply – step by step
- Visit the Mpumalanga Provincial e‑Recruitment portal: Apply here.
- Register a new account and complete your profile.
- Upload a recent CV, three contactable references and proof of residence (municipal or traditional‑authority document).
- Search for “Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027”, select the internship that matches your qualification, and enter the exact reference number.
- Review your application and submit it before 28 August 2026 at 16:00.
Selection process
Short‑listed candidates may be asked to complete:
- Pre‑entry and integrity assessments.
- Criminal record and citizenship verification.
- Financial record and qualification checks.
- Verification of any prior dismissal for misconduct.
- Disclosure of directorships, shareholdings, or outside remunerative work.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that you have selected the correct internship and reference number.
- Ensure your CV is clear, up‑to‑date and matches the qualifications listed.
- Provide accurate contact details for your referees; they may be called.
- Keep all mandatory documents (ID, qualifications, proof of residence) ready in certified form in case you are invited for an interview.
- Be honest about any previous government internship – non‑disclosure can lead to cancellation of the contract.
- Prepare for basic integrity and ethics assessments; they are part of the selection.
Next steps
If you meet the eligibility criteria, gather the required documents and submit your application before the deadline. Remember that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and if you do not hear back within three months, you can consider the application unsuccessful. Good luck, and take the first step toward a professional career in economic development and tourism!
