The Western Cape Government is looking for recent graduates who are currently without a job and live in the Western Cape to join a new Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027. This is a paid internship that will let you work in Cape Town’s central business district for anywhere from three to two years. The programme is meant to give you real‑world experience in provincial government offices and help you build a solid resume. If you finish your studies, are between 20 and 35 years old, and want to learn how a provincial government operates, this could be a great chance for you.
Key details
- Where: Cape Town CBD, Western Cape
- When to apply: Until 2 March 2026
- What you’ll do: Work in one of many government departments – Agriculture, Police Oversight, Cultural Affairs, Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, Infrastructure, Local Government, Mobility, Treasury, Social Development, and more.
- Pay: You will receive a stipend set by the department.
- Duration: 3 to 24 months, depending on the role that suits you best.
Who can join?
- You are a South African citizen who lives in the Western Cape.
- You’re between 20 and 35 years old and not currently employed.
- You have a qualification: a certificate (NQF 5), diploma (NQF 6), degree (NQF 7), or a postgraduate qualification (NQF 8+).
- You want to gain real work experience, find mentors, and build a network that will help you in the future.
What you’ll gain
- Hands‑on work experience in a government office.
- A reference you can show to future employers.
- Skills that help you plan, organise and solve problems.
- An inside view of how provincial government runs.
- Guidance that helps you decide what career path you want to take next.
What the job needs from you
- Good speaking and writing skills in at least two official Western Cape languages.
- Basic computer knowledge – be comfortable with MS Office and office equipment.
- Strong planning and organising abilities.
How to apply
All steps are online and must be completed before the deadline.
Create a profile
- Go to the Western Cape Government e‑Recruitment portal.
- Click “Create Account”.
- Fill out your details and upload the following documents:
- CV in Word format
- A copy of your South African ID
- Proof of your academic results
Finish your profile
- Submit it and confirm your email address using the link you’ll receive.
Apply for the internship
- Search for “Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027”.
- Click “Apply”.
- Answer the questionnaire and submit.
- You’ll get an email confirmation.
If you need a computer, you can visit a local library, a Thusong Service Centre, an e‑Community Forum, a Western Cape Government Walk‑in Contact Centre, or an internet café.
Important reminders
- Only online applications will be accepted.
- No late or emailed applications will be considered.
- The start date is flexible; the portal keeps your application in the database for 12 months.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- The programme does not cover relocation, housing or travel costs.
Need more info?
- Call Ms. B. Kirkwood at (021) 483 2024
- Call Ms. Y. Dempers at (021) 483 0742
- e‑Recruitment Helpdesk: 0861 370 214 (Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00)
Apply now
If you’re ready to start, click the link below to see the full posting and submit your application before 2 March 2026.
Apply to the Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027
Tip: Get your documents ready in advance and double‑check everything before you hit submit. An early application gives you a better chance of standing out.