Internships

Cooperative Governance Internship 2026/2028: 21 Graduate Positions Now Open – Apply Today!

The Department of Cooperative Governance invites suitably qualified South African graduates to apply for their Graduate Internship Programme (X21 Posts) for 2026/2028. This is an incredible opportunity for young professionals who want to gain hands-on experience in government while contributing to improving service delivery in municipalities and provinces across the country.

The closing date for applications is 10 October 2025, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting programme. Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend of R7,860.39 and will be based in Pretoria for the duration of the internship.


About the Internship Programme

The programme runs for 24 months (2 years) and is designed to provide graduates with a structured learning environment where they will work alongside experienced public service professionals. This setup will help participants gain essential skills, boost their confidence, and prepare them for long-term careers in the government or related sectors.

The Department of Cooperative Governance plays a vital role in strengthening municipalities and promoting service delivery, making this internship a perfect starting point for graduates who want to make a real difference in their communities.


Key Benefits of Joining

By joining this internship programme, you will gain:

  • Real-world government experience: Learn how local and provincial government systems operate.
  • Mentorship and coaching: Receive guidance from experienced professionals to help you grow.
  • Career development: Build a strong foundation for future employment in the public sector or related industries.
  • Networking opportunities: Connect with other young professionals and senior officials in government.

Available Internship Opportunities

There are 21 internship positions available across various departments. Each role has its own qualification requirements and unique responsibilities. Below are the available positions and how to apply:

Internship AreaReference NumberRequired QualificationEmail to Apply
Corporate Branding & CommunicationHRD/2025/1National Diploma or Bachelor’s in Graphic Design, Communication, Marketing, or equivalent (NQF 6/7)Recruitment06@cogta.gov.za
Human Capital ManagementHRD/2025/2National Diploma or Bachelor’s in HR, Industrial Psychology, Social Sciences, Public Administration (Personnel Practices focus)Recruitment07@cogta.gov.za
Information TechnologyHRD/2025/3National Diploma or Bachelor’s in IT, Computer Science, Informatics, or equivalent (NQF 6/7)Recruitment08@cogta.gov.za
Legal ServicesHRD/2025/4LLB (NQF 8)Recruitment09@cogta.gov.za
Facilities & Security ManagementHRD/2025/5Diploma in Security Management or Bachelor’s in Social Sciences (Psychology, Criminology, etc.) + valid driver’s licenseRecruitment10@cogta.gov.za
Community Work Programme (CWP)HRD/2025/6National Diploma or Bachelor’s in Public Administration & Management (NQF 6/7)Recruitment11@cogta.gov.za
CWP Partnerships, Training & Special ProjectsHRD/2025/7National Diploma or Bachelor’s in Business or Project Management (NQF 6/7)Recruitment12@cogta.gov.za
CWP Financial CoordinationHRD/2025/8National Diploma or Bachelor’s in Financial Management or Accounting (NQF 6/7)Recruitment13@cogta.gov.za
Supply Chain ManagementHRD/2025/9National Diploma or Bachelor’s in Logistics or Supply Chain Management (NQF 6/7)Recruitment14@cogta.gov.za
Internal ControlHRD/2025/10National Diploma or Bachelor’s in Accounting (NQF 6/7)Recruitment15@cogta.gov.za
Disaster Risk Reduction & Capacity DevelopmentHRD/2025/11Diploma or Bachelor’s in Disaster Management (NQF 6/7)Recruitment16@cogta.gov.za
Disaster Preparedness & Recovery CoordinationHRD/2025/12Diploma or Bachelor’s in Disaster Management (NQF 6/7)Recruitment17@cogta.gov.za
Strategic & Executive SupportHRD/2025/13Diploma or Bachelor’s in Public Management/Administration (NQF 6/7)Recruitment18@cogta.gov.za
Internal Audit & Risk ManagementHRD/2025/14Diploma or Bachelor’s in Internal Audit/Risk Management (NQF 6/7)Recruitment19@cogta.gov.za
Local Government Operations & Support (DDG Office)HRD/2025/15Diploma or Bachelor’s in Administration (NQF 6/7)Recruitment20@cogta.gov.za
Local Government Support – Gauteng & Free State ClusterHRD/2025/16Diploma or Bachelor’s in Public Administration or Development Studies (NQF 6/7)Recruitment21@cogta.gov.za
Local Government Support – Limpopo & Mpumalanga ClusterHRD/2025/17Diploma or Bachelor’s in Public Administration or Development Studies (NQF 6/7)Recruitment22@cogta.gov.za
Local Government Support – Western & Eastern Cape ClusterHRD/2025/18Diploma or Bachelor’s in Public Administration or Development Studies (NQF 6/7)Recruitment23@cogta.gov.za
Municipal Powers & Functions SupportHRD/2025/19Diploma or Bachelor’s in Public Administration or Management (NQF 6/7)Recruitment24@cogta.gov.za
Knowledge Management & Reporting SystemsHRD/2025/20Diploma or Bachelor’s in Development Studies, Knowledge Management, or Information Systems (NQF 6/7)Recruitment25@cogta.gov.za
Policy Governance & Administration (DDG Office)HRD/2025/21Diploma or Bachelor’s in Administration (NQF 6/7)Recruitment26@cogta.gov.za
Municipal Capacity DevelopmentHRD/2025/22Diploma or Bachelor’s in HR Development, Public Administration (NQF 6/7) + valid driver’s licenseRecruitment27@cogta.gov.za

Important Notes

  • Applicants must not have worked previously as interns or been on a contract in the Public Service (including Local Government) or Private Sector.
  • Failing to disclose past work experience may result in disqualification.
  • All qualifications must be SAQA-recognized at the required NQF level.

How to Apply

  1. Identify the internship position you want to apply for.
  2. Use the correct reference number in your application email.
  3. Email your application and supporting documents to the relevant email address listed above.
  4. Ensure your documents are complete and sent before the closing date: 10 October 2025.

Download Required Forms:

  • [Department of Cooperative Governance Internship Advert]
  • [New Z83 Application Form]

Why This Internship Matters

This programme is an excellent opportunity for graduates who are serious about making a difference in South Africa. You’ll gain first-hand experience in government operations while developing the skills and knowledge needed for a permanent role in the public sector.

With 21 internship positions available, there’s a place for passionate and driven individuals to help strengthen local government and improve communities across the country.

For more information, you can call Ms. M Bakhane or Mr. S Ramphisa at (012) 334 0628/0629.


Don’t miss this chance to launch your career in public service – apply before 10 October 2025!

Published by
Ronald Williams

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