If you are a South African graduate looking for real work experience right now, the Sarah Baartman District Municipality is offering a two‑year internship that could launch your career in civil engineering.
What the internship is
The Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM) in the Eastern Cape is running the Infrastructure Development and Community Services Internship Programme 2026. It is a fixed‑term, two‑year contract with an annual stipend of R96 000. The internship will be based at SBDM’s offices in Port Elizabeth (Standard Bank Building, 32 Govan Mbeki Avenue).
The role will give you hands‑on experience in:
- Project management
- Construction
- Housing administration
- Infrastructure development
- Water sanitation and purification
- Roads and transport
Notice number: 53 of 2026.
Eligibility – Who can apply?
You may apply if you meet all of the following:
- Unemployed graduate from a historically disadvantaged background.
- South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Holder of a BTech or a degree in Civil Engineering (certified copy required).
- Resident of one of these local municipalities:
- Dr Beyers Naudé
- Blue Crane Route
- Kouga
- Koukamma
- Makana
- Ndlambe
- Sundays River Valley
What you will gain
The internship is designed to turn your academic knowledge into practical skills. You will:
- Earn a decent stipend while you learn.
- Develop professional engineering and project‑management abilities.
- Work alongside experienced municipal staff on real community projects.
- Build a network that can help you find future employment.
Note: The contract is temporary and does not guarantee a permanent post after the two years.
How to apply – Step‑by‑step
- Download the official application form from the municipality’s website: official application form.
- Complete the form in full.
- Attach a current CV.
- Attach certified copies of your civil engineering qualification and your South African ID.
- Place all papers in an envelope clearly marked CONFIDENTIAL.
- Address the envelope to:
Corporate Services Section
Sarah Baartman District Municipality
Standard Bank Building
32 Govan Mbeki Avenue
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape - Submit the envelope by hand to the address above or send it by registered post before 17 July 2026.
For any questions you can call 041 508 7001 or 041 508 7044.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that you live in one of the listed municipalities – applications from other areas will be rejected.
- Provide clear, certified copies of all documents; illegible copies lead to disqualification.
- Proofread your CV and application form for spelling or missing information.
- Submit well before the deadline; late applications are not accepted.
- Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. If you hear nothing after six weeks, consider the outcome unsuccessful.
Next steps
The deadline for this opportunity is 17 July 2026. Gather your documents, follow the steps above, and send your application in time. This internship could give you the practical experience you need to start a career in civil engineering while helping communities in the Sarah Baartman District.
