Meta Description: The Department of Cooperative Governance is inviting unemployed graduates to apply for its 2025/2026 Internship Programme. Explore over 20 disciplines, gain valuable workplace training, and boost your career. Apply before 10 October 2025.
Building Careers Through Public Service Training
The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) has officially opened applications for its Internship Programme 2025/2026, offering unemployed graduates a chance to gain hands-on experience in South Africa’s public service environment. This 12-month structured programme, based in Pretoria, is designed to equip graduates with practical workplace skills, enhance employability, and bridge the gap between academic learning and professional work.
With a strong focus on nation-building and community support, this programme provides exposure across multiple disciplines, making it one of the most diverse graduate internship opportunities currently available in the public sector.
Closing Date: 10 October 2025
Duration: 12 Months
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Internship Opportunities Available
DCoG has rolled out an extensive list of internship positions across its departments, giving graduates from different study backgrounds the opportunity to contribute meaningfully while gaining critical work experience.
1. Corporate Branding and Communication
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Graphic Design, Communication, Marketing, or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/1
- Email: [email protected]
2. Human Capital Management
- Qualification: HR Management, Industrial Psychology, Social Sciences, or Public Administration
- Reference No: HRD/2025/2
- Email: [email protected]
3. Information Technology
- Qualification: IT, Computer Science, Informatics, or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/3
- Email: [email protected]
4. Legal Services
- Qualification: LLB (NQF Level 8 as recognised by SAQA)
- Reference No: HRD/2025/4
- Email: [email protected]
5. Facilities and Security Management
- Qualification: Diploma in Security Management OR Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences (with Psychology, Social or Criminology)
- Driver’s Licence required
- Reference No: HRD/2025/5
- Email: [email protected]
6. Community Work Programme (CWP)
- Qualification: Diploma/Degree in Public Administration, Public Management, or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/6
- Email: [email protected]
7. CWP Partnerships, Training and Special Projects
- Qualification: Business Management or Project Management (Contract Management)
- Reference No: HRD/2025/7
- Email: [email protected]
8. CWP Financial Coordination
- Qualification: Financial Management, Accounting, or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/8
- Email: [email protected]
9. Supply Chain Management
- Qualification: Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/9
- Email: [email protected]
10. Internal Control
- Qualification: Accounting or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/10
- Email: [email protected]
11. Disaster Risk Reduction and Capacity Development
- Qualification: Diploma/Degree in Disaster Management or Disaster Risk Reduction
- Reference No: HRD/2025/11
- Email: [email protected]
12. Disaster Preparedness, Response & Recovery Coordination
- Qualification: Disaster Management or Disaster Risk Reduction
- Reference No: HRD/2025/12
- Email: [email protected]
13. Strategic and Executive Support
- Qualification: Public Management or Public Administration
- Reference No: HRD/2025/13
- Email: [email protected]
14. Internal Audit and Risk Management
- Qualification: Internal Audit, Risk Management, or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/14
- Email: [email protected]
15. Local Government Operations & Support (DDG’s Office)
- Qualification: Administration or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/15
- Email: [email protected]
16. Local Government Operations & Support (Gauteng & Free State)
- Qualification: Public Administration, Development Studies, or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/16
- Email: [email protected]
17. Local Government Operations & Support (Limpopo & Mpumalanga)
- Qualification: Public Administration, Development Studies, or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/17
- Email: [email protected]
18. Local Government Operations & Support (Western Cape & Eastern Cape)
- Qualification: Public Administration, Development Studies, or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/18
- Email: [email protected]
19. Municipal Powers & Functions and Interventions Support
- Qualification: Public Administration, Management, or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/19
- Email: [email protected]
20. Knowledge Management, Monitoring & Reporting Systems
- Qualification: Development Studies, Knowledge Management, or Information Systems
- Reference No: HRD/2025/20
- Email: [email protected]
21. Policy Governance and Administration (DDG’s Office)
- Qualification: Administration or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/21
- Email: [email protected]
22. Municipal Capacity Development
- Qualification: HR Development or Public Administration
- Reference No: HRD/2025/22
- Email: [email protected]
Application Process
Applicants are required to follow the official process to ensure their application is considered:
- Download and complete a Z83 form (available on government websites).
- Attach a recently updated CV.
- Clearly indicate the Reference Number, Position, and Area/Centre on both the form and the email subject line.
- Only shortlisted candidates will later be asked to submit certified copies of qualifications, ID, and academic records.
Important Notes for Applicants
- Only unemployed graduates who have not previously participated in a public service internship or contract programme are eligible.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage.
Why Apply for the DCoG Internship Programme?
This opportunity is more than just a job placement. Graduates who join the DCoG Internship Programme will:
- Gain exposure to the public sector environment.
- Develop practical workplace skills aligned to their academic training.
- Network with experienced professionals and mentors.
- Improve their employability and chances of securing permanent roles in government or the private sector.
By participating in this programme, interns not only benefit personally but also contribute to strengthening local governance, improving service delivery, and empowering communities across South Africa.
Final Thoughts
The Department of Cooperative Governance Internship Programme 2025/2026 is a golden opportunity for South African graduates to take the first big step in their careers. With more than 20 disciplines on offer, it provides diverse pathways for young professionals to gain experience, build skills, and make a meaningful impact.
Useful Links:
- Youth Opportunities
- Online courses
- Learnerships Programme
- Skills Training Programme
- Funding Bursaries
If you are ready to begin your journey in public service, submit your application before 10 October 2025 and seize this opportunity to grow, learn, and serve the nation.
