Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is inviting applications for two Public Relations/Communications Internship positions under the SETA Special Dispensation Programme. This 24-month internship is designed to provide practical workplace experience to unemployed South African graduates who are looking to build a professional career in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or related fields.
The internship forms part of the university’s commitment to developing young professionals by providing meaningful workplace exposure in a dynamic higher education environment. Successful candidates will gain valuable experience while working alongside experienced communications professionals responsible for promoting the university’s activities, achievements, and public image.
This opportunity is ideal for recent graduates who have completed a relevant qualification and are eager to develop practical skills in communication, media relations, digital marketing, event coordination, social media management, photography, video production, and stakeholder engagement.
Position: Public Relations/Communications Intern (2 Posts)
Reference Number: Adv/MJM/Intern
Programme: SETA Special Dispensation Internship
Department: Advancement and Communications Department
Contract Duration: 24 Months
Location: Gauteng, South Africa
Closing Date: 7 August 202
About the Internship
The internship provides structured workplace learning within the Advancement and Communications Department. Interns will participate in daily communication activities while receiving mentorship from experienced professionals.
The successful applicants will contribute to communication initiatives that support students, staff, alumni, prospective students, media stakeholders, and the broader community. Exposure to multiple areas of communications allows interns to develop a diverse set of professional skills that improve future employment opportunities.
During the programme, interns will become familiar with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of communication campaigns while assisting with university events and promotional activities.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements before applying:
- Diploma (NQF Level 6) in:
- Public Relations
- Communication
- Journalism
- Film and Television
- Marketing
- Academic transcript must accompany the application.
- Applicants must be new entrants into the Public Relations/Communications environment.
- Previous employment or internship experience in Public Relations or Communications will not be considered.
- Basic understanding of Public Relations and Communication principles.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Excel.
- Willingness to learn and develop professionally.
- Good interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Must be a South African citizen.
Key Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Excellent time management.
- Professional conduct and confidentiality.
- Strong client service orientation.
- Ability to produce quality work within deadlines.
- Stress tolerance in busy working environments.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to learn new systems and processes.
- Adaptability and flexibility.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and within a team.
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful interns will assist with various communication and marketing functions within the university. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting with interviews involving staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders.
- Researching and writing institutional news stories.
- Preparing content for the university website, newsletters, intranet, and communication platforms.
- Supporting marketing campaigns and brand awareness initiatives.
- Assisting with the planning and coordination of university events.
- Supporting student recruitment activities.
- Assisting during school outreach programmes and career exhibitions.
- Helping distribute recruitment information and promotional material.
- Capturing photographs and videos during university events.
- Assisting with promotional video production.
- Supporting the creation of documentary and interview content.
- Producing digital content for social media platforms.
- Assisting with website content updates.
- Supporting alumni engagement initiatives.
- Maintaining alumni database records.
- Coordinating communication with graduates.
- Assisting with social media campaign planning.
- Preparing social media content calendars.
- Monitoring social media activity.
- Compiling media monitoring and coverage reports.
- Maintaining organised records of photographs, publications, campaign materials, and communication content.
- Providing administrative support within the Communications, Marketing, Alumni Relations, Student Recruitment, and Events units.
- Performing additional duties assigned by the supervisor.
Skills That Will Be Developed
Throughout the internship, participants will have an opportunity to strengthen practical workplace skills, including:
- Public relations planning
- Corporate communication
- Media relations
- Digital communication
- Content writing
- Copywriting
- Social media management
- Event management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Photography
- Videography
- Marketing communication
- Administrative coordination
- Report writing
- Campaign implementation
- Team collaboration
- Professional workplace communication
- Time management
- Project coordination
These practical experiences can significantly improve employability in both the public and private sectors after completion of the internship.
Who Should Apply?
This internship is suitable for unemployed graduates who have recently completed an appropriate qualification and have not previously participated in a Public Relations or Communications internship.
Applicants who are passionate about storytelling, digital media, communication, marketing, journalism, or public engagement are encouraged to apply.
Individuals interested in building careers within higher education institutions, government departments, public entities, media organisations, non-profit organisations, communications agencies, or corporate communications departments may find this internship particularly valuable.
Benefits of the Internship
Although the advertisement does not specify the stipend amount, participants can expect valuable workplace exposure that includes:
- Practical work experience.
- Professional mentoring.
- Exposure to communication strategies.
- Experience in media and stakeholder relations.
- Participation in university events.
- Opportunities to develop digital communication skills.
- Experience working in a professional higher education environment.
- Improved employability after successful completion of the programme.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit a typed application quoting the reference number Adv/MJM/Intern.
The application must include:
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copies of all qualifications.
- Academic transcript.
- Contact details of three referees.
Applications must be emailed to:
Email: [email protected]
Attention: Mr M. Mopai
Applications must be submitted no later than 16:00 on 7 August 2026.
Important Information
Applicants holding foreign qualifications must ensure that those qualifications have been evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before applying.
Failure to submit all required supporting documents or information may result in the application not being considered.
Applications submitted through employment agencies will not be accepted.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If no communication is received within 30 days after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and reserves the right to make or not make an appointment.
Closing Date: 7 August 2026
Reference Number
- Adv/MJM/Intern