Looking to kick‑start a career in South Africa’s conservation sector? The SANParks CATHSSETA Internship Programme gives you a 12‑month, paid hands‑on experience across two iconic regions, and the deadline is fast approaching – March 2026. If you’re a recent graduate who is currently unemployed, this could be the first step you need.
What the Internship Programme Is All About
SANParks, together with CATHSSETA, is offering two structured 12‑month internships for unemployed graduates. The programmes are designed to immerse you in the public conservation and biodiversity sector, giving you real‑world experience in:
- Human Resources
- Labour Relations
- Safety Management
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Support functions for biodiversity and conservation
Keep in mind that completing the internship does not automatically lead to a permanent job. It is, however, a valuable addition to any CV.
Programmes and Locations
- Groenkloof National Park & SANBI Pretoria (Gauteng) – Closing 06 March 2026
Location: Groenkloof National Park (Head Office), Pretoria & South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Pretoria. - Cape Region (Agulhas, Table Mountain & Tankwa Karoo National Parks) – Closing 09 March 2026
Locations: Agulhas National Park, Table Mountain National Park, Tankwa Karoo National Park.
Stipend: R6,335.69 – R9,088.37 per month (varies by NQF level).
Who Should Apply?
To be eligible you must:
- Be a South African citizen between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be currently unemployed.
- Hold a National Diploma, Bachelor’s or Honours Degree (NQF 6–8).
- Have studied at a South African public higher education institution.
- Have never worked for a public service entity or taken a public service internship before.
- Be available for interviews and assessments.
Additional notes:
- If you live outside the programme area, you must organise your own travel and accommodation (park accommodation may be offered but is not guaranteed).
- Foreign qualifications need to be verified by SAQA.
- Employment equity will be applied – preference goes to Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDI) and Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA).
Fields of Study Accepted
- Human Resources Development / Training Management
- Industrial Psychology
- Labour Relations
- Safety Management
- Occupational Health & Safety
What You’ll Do as an Intern
- Support HR learning and development programmes.
- Assist with payroll and performance management.
- Contribute to occupational health and safety initiatives.
- Participate in human capital management and labour relations projects.
What You’ll Gain
- 12 months of structured workplace experience.
- A monthly stipend of R6,335.69 to R9,088.37.
- Insight into conservation, tourism and biodiversity operations.
- Public sector experience that strengthens your CV.
- An opportunity to work in respected national institutions.
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Gather all required documents: updated CV, certified copy of matric certificate, certified copies of qualifications and transcripts, and a certified copy of your South African ID.
- Visit the official SANParks portal for the programme you are interested in:
- Groenkloof & SANBI Pretoria: https://www.sanparks.org/corporate/vacancies/sanparks-cathsseta-internship-programme-groenkloof-national-park-and-sanbi-pretoria
- Cape Region: https://www.sanparks.org/corporate/vacancies/sanparks-cathsseta-internship-programme-cape-region
- Fill out the online application form, attach your certified documents, and submit.
- After the closing date, you will receive a decision within 14 days. If there is no response, it is likely your application was not successful.
Practical Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Many applicants struggle with incomplete documents – double‑check that every file is certified and attached.
- From experience, most successful candidates prepare a concise CV that highlights relevant coursework and volunteer work.
- If this is your first time applying for a public sector internship, don’t worry – the selection panel understands that you are building experience.
- Keep your interview availability flexible, as assessment dates are set on a rolling basis.
- Remember – no one will ask you to pay to apply. The process is free and the application is online only.
Next Steps
Don’t miss your chance to work with South Africa’s most iconic national parks. Get your documents ready, choose the programme that matches your background, and submit before the deadlines: 06 March 2026 for the Groenkloof & SANBI Pretoria programme and 09 March 2026 for the Cape Region programme. Good luck – the experience you gain could shape your future career in conservation.
