Apply Now: SEDFA Graduate Internship Programme 2026

ByRainbow Time

The Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency Soc Ltd (SEDFA) invites applications from unemployed graduates in South Africa to participate in the Talent Acquisition Programme (TAP), a structured graduate internship designed to provide practical work experience and professional skills development. As a Development Finance Institution established to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including Co-operatives, SEDFA plays a vital role in advancing economic growth and enterprise development. The programme offers successful candidates the opportunity to gain meaningful exposure within various functional areas while receiving a stipend for the duration of the internship.

This graduate internship programme runs for a period of twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) months and is aimed at equipping participants with industry-relevant knowledge, workplace experience and professional competencies aligned with their field of study. Placement opportunities are available across multiple divisions, providing graduates with the chance to develop practical skills, enhance employability and contribute to a dynamic working environment that supports innovation, integrity and professional excellence.

Position: Talent Acquisition Programme (TAP) – Graduate Internship
Duration: 12 to 24 Months
Division: Various Divisions
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Closing Date: 20 February 2026

TALENT ACQUISITION PROGRAMME (TAP) – TWELVE (12) TO TWENTY-FOUR (24) MONTHS GRADUATE PROGRAMME

OVERVIEW

The Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency Soc Ltd (SEDFA) is a Development Finance Institution (DFI) established to provide access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including Co-operatives.

SEDFA is a merged entity formed from:

  • Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa)
  • Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda)
  • Co-Operative Banks Development Agency (CBDA)

The organisation is listed as a Schedule 3B National Government Business Enterprise, with the State as the sole shareholder and the Department of Small Business Development as the Executive Authority.

SEDFA seeks to offer internship opportunities to unemployed graduates in South Africa.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE TAP PROGRAMME

The Talent Acquisition Programme (TAP) is a SEDFA initiative that provides unemployed graduates in South Africa with the opportunity to gain practical work experience and develop skills in their field of study.

The programme duration is 12 to 24 months.

For the 2026 Internship Intake, SEDFA invites applications from unemployed South African graduates. Successful candidates will receive a stipend and will be required to sign an Internship Agreement.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

  • Be South African
  • Be aged between 18 and 30 years
  • Be able to speak, read and write English
  • Be computer literate
  • Not be permanently employed
  • Not be registered on any other learnership

As part of the application process, candidates will be assessed through the following checks:

  • Credit record verification
  • Criminal record verification
  • Reference checks with previous employers (if applicable)
  • Qualification verification
PLACEMENT FIELDS AND REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Digital Transformation & Innovation
Qualification required: IT related Degree

Finance & Treasury / Lending / BDS
Qualification required: B.Com Accounting / Financial Management / Supply Chain / Logistics Management

Ecosystems & Stakeholder Management
Qualification required: Graphic Design / Public Relations / Digital Media Management related Diploma or Degree

Compliance
Qualification required: Law Degree

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualification

  • Bachelor’s Degree relevant to the field applied for

Required Work Experience

  • No work experience required

Candidates must demonstrate the following:

  • Reasonable theoretical knowledge relating to the functional area or department of placement
  • Innovation and problem-solving ability
  • Ethics and integrity
  • Strong administrative and organisational skills
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • High level of confidentiality and professionalism
  • Ability to work effectively in a team and independently
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

SEDFA is committed to the pursuit of diversity and redress. The organisation promotes equity and representativity in terms of race, gender and persons living with disabilities. Previously disadvantaged individuals are encouraged to apply.

The appointment of candidates is subject to the verification of all credentials, including employment history, educational qualifications, financial checks, criminal checks and any other necessary screening processes.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not received feedback within one (1) month of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.

By applying for this programme, you give SEDFA permission to process your personal information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates must submit applications to the official email address provided to be considered for the Talent Acquisition Programme (TAP). All required documents should be prepared and attached before submission to ensure the application is complete and meets the programme requirements. Applicants are advised to clearly indicate the relevant field of placement in the subject line of the email when applying.

Applications must be sent via email to [email protected] before the stated closing date. Only properly submitted applications received within the deadline will be reviewed. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered during the selection process.

Please quote the field of placement in the subject line of your email when applying.

ENQUIRIES

Contact person: Naneli Ntombela
Telephone: (012) 748 9600

CLOSING DATE: 20 February 2026

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.