Graduate Internship Programme – Western Cape Government
The Western Cape Government invites unemployed South African graduates residing in the Western Cape to apply for the Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027. This Youth Development Programme offers successful candidates an opportunity to gain valuable practical work experience for a period of 3 to 24 months, helping graduates develop job-ready skills and improve their employability. Applicants must be South African citizens between the ages of 20 and 35, residing in the Western Cape, and in possession of a completed Certificate (NQF 5), Diploma (NQF 6), Degree (NQF 7), or Postgraduate Qualification (NQF 8 and higher).
The programme provides exposure across multiple provincial departments, including Agriculture, Police Oversight and Community Safety, Cultural Affairs and Sport, Economic Development and Tourism, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Infrastructure, Local Government, Mobility, Provincial Treasury, and Social Development. Participants will gain practical workplace experience, build professional networks, and obtain contactable references to strengthen their CVs. Applications must be submitted online on or before 02 March 2026, with all required documents uploaded, including a CV, identity document, and qualification results.
Position: Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027
Tracking Number: GRAD 2026-2027
Reference Number: WCG260203-4
Closing Date: 02 March 2026
Department: Department of the Premier
Job Type: Internship
Location: Cape Town CBD, Western Cape, South Africa
Salary Level: N/A (Stipend will be paid)
Enquiries:
- Ms B. Kirkwood: (021) 483 2024
- Ms Y. Dempers: (021) 483 0742
Job Purpose
The Western Cape Government invites unemployed South African graduates residing in the Western Cape to apply for the Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027.
This Youth Development Programme provides successful interns with an opportunity to gain valuable practical work experience for a period of 3 to 24 months.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Be a South African citizen residing in the Western Cape
- Be between 20 and 35 years old
- Have completed one of the following qualifications:
- Certificate (NQF Level 5)
- Diploma (NQF Level 6)
- Degree (NQF Level 7)
- Postgraduate Qualification (NQF Level 8 or higher)
- Desire to gain practical work experience
Recommendation (Advantage)
- Applicants who are financially constrained and lack career guidance support are encouraged to apply.
Key Performance Areas (Departments for Placement)
On-the-job training will be provided in the following departments:
- Agriculture
- Police Oversight and Community Safety
- Cultural Affairs and Sport
- Department of the Premier
- Economic Development and Tourism
- Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
- Department of Infrastructure
- Local Government
- Mobility Department
- Provincial Treasury
- Social Development
Why Should You Apply?
By joining the programme, you will:
- Gain practical work experience
- Develop job-ready skills
- Obtain contactable references for your CV
- Receive career exposure to make informed career decisions
- Build a professional network for future opportunities
Internet Access Support for Applicants
If you do not have access to a computer, you may use:
- Your local library
- Thusong Service Centres
- E-Community Forums and e-Centres in rural towns
- Western Cape Government Walk-in Contact Centres
- Internet cafés
Required Competencies
Applicants must have:
- Good written and verbal communication skills in at least two official Western Cape languages
- Computer literacy (MS Office)
- Ability to operate office equipment
- Planning and organisational skills
Remuneration
A monthly stipend will be paid, as determined by the Department.
Important Notes
- Only online applications will be accepted.
- No late, emailed, or faxed applications will be considered.
- Ensure you apply on or before 02 March 2026.
- There is no specific start date; applications will remain on the database for 12 months.
- Final academic results and personal documents will be verified.
- Attach the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (preferably MS Word)
- Identity Document (ID)
- Qualification certificate or academic results
Application Process (Two Phases)
Phase 1: Registration
- Click “Create Account”
- Complete all required information and upload documents
- Submit your profile
- Verify your email address via the confirmation email
- Registration will be complete
Phase 2: Application
- Find the internship advert and click “APPLY”
- Complete application questions and submit
- You will receive an email confirming your application
Technical Support:
- Available Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:00
- Helpline: 0861 370 214
Additional Information
- The Western Cape Government will not cover relocation, subsistence, or travel costs.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and should indicate this in their application.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply online before the closing date of 02 March 2026. The application process consists of two phases: registration and application. Applicants must first create an account on the Western Cape Government Careers portal, complete all required personal information, and upload the necessary documents, including a CV, identity document, and academic qualifications or results. After submitting the profile, an email verification will be sent to confirm the registration.
Once registration is complete, candidates must locate the Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027 advertisement and click on the “Apply” button to complete the application questions and submit the form. A confirmation email will be sent after successful submission.
Apply Here: Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027