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Knysna Municipality is inviting female graduates from the Garden Route District to apply for the 2025 Municipal Finance Management Internship Programme. Discover eligibility, benefits, and how to apply before 9 October 2025.
Introduction
For many young professionals, breaking into the financial sector of local government can feel like a distant dream. Yet, municipalities are constantly in need of skilled finance professionals to ensure effective service delivery and sound governance. To address this need, Knysna Municipality has opened applications for the Municipal Finance Management Internship Programme (MFMIP) 2025, a capacity-building initiative supported by National Treasury.
The programme is specifically designed to empower female graduates in the Garden Route District, giving them the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in municipal financial management while earning a competitive stipend. If you hold a finance-related qualification and meet the requirements, this could be your gateway to a rewarding career in the public sector.
About the Internship
The Municipal Finance Management Internship Programme (MFMIP) is a structured professional development programme introduced by National Treasury to strengthen financial governance in local government institutions.
At Knysna Municipality, interns will:
- Work within the Municipal Budget and Treasury Office, gaining practical insights into local government finance.
- Receive structured training in Finance, Internal Audit, and Risk Management.
- Develop a working knowledge of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP), and related municipal policies.
- Complete a professional learning pathway that leads to a recognized qualification in Municipal Finance Management, aligned with National Treasury regulations.
This initiative not only builds capacity within the municipality but also equips graduates with the skills needed to thrive in the broader financial sector.
Duration and Remuneration
- Location: Knysna, Western Cape
- Closing Date: 9 October 2025
- Annual Stipend: R100,000 (all-inclusive)
The remuneration package reflects the municipality’s commitment to supporting young professionals in their journey toward financial expertise, while also ensuring they gain meaningful exposure to the world of municipal finance.
Who Can Apply?
Knysna Municipality has outlined specific requirements to ensure that the programme benefits deserving candidates from the local area.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
Useful Links:
- Youth Opportunities
- Online courses
- Learnerships Programme
- Skills Training Programme
- Funding Bursaries
- Have matriculated in the Garden Route District, which includes:
- Knysna
- Plettenberg Bay
- George
- Mossel Bay
- Oudtshoorn
- Hessequa
- Kannaland
- Hold a three-year Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced National Diploma (NQF Level 7) in:
- Accounting
- Business
- Finance
- Demonstrate computer literacy and effective communication skills (both written and verbal).
Advantageous Qualifications
- Academic background or work experience in Internal Audit or Risk Management will be considered a strong advantage.
Special Requirement
- The programme is only open to female candidates in line with Knysna Municipality’s commitment to gender equity and empowerment.
Internship Conditions
Candidates who are successfully appointed must commit to the programme’s conditions:
- Internship Agreement – Selected candidates will be required to sign both an internship agreement and a standard employment contract.
- Disciplinary Code – Interns will be subject to the Municipality’s disciplinary code to ensure compliance with professional and ethical standards.
- Annual Increases – Stipend adjustments will be determined by the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC).
These conditions ensure that the programme maintains a high level of professionalism while supporting fair labor practices.
How to Apply
Applicants must prepare and submit a comprehensive application package that includes the following:
Required Documents
- Completed application form (available on www.knysna.gov.za or at Knysna Municipal offices).
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copies of:
- South African ID
- Academic qualifications and transcripts
- Any supporting documents highlighting additional skills or experience (optional).
Submission Details
Applications can be submitted in two ways:
- By Post:
Human Resources
PO Box 21
Knysna, 6570 - By Email:
[email protected]
⚠️ Important: No late applications will be considered. Ensure that your application reaches the municipality before 9 October 2025.
Additional Information for Applicants
- The Municipality reserves the right to conduct reference checks, credit checks, qualification verifications, and security clearances.
- Candidates may be required to undergo evaluation tests as part of the selection process.
- Canvassing councillors or municipal staff members is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants who have not been contacted within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
- The Municipality reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Why Apply for This Programme?
- Career Development in Public Finance – Interns gain real-world experience in municipal finance, opening pathways to careers in both government and the private sector.
- Gender Empowerment – By targeting female graduates, the programme addresses gender imbalances in financial leadership roles.
- Financial Stability – The annual stipend of R100,000 provides a solid foundation for young graduates starting their careers.
- Structured Learning – Interns follow a well-defined training plan designed by National Treasury, ensuring that skills gained align with national standards.
- Community Impact – Working in municipal finance allows interns to directly contribute to the effective delivery of services in their communities.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the closing date. Submit your application well in advance to avoid delays.
- Be Thorough: Double-check that all certified documents are included. Missing paperwork is a common reason for disqualification.
- Tailor Your CV: Highlight any experience or coursework related to finance, accounting, auditing, or risk management.
- Show Commitment: In your cover letter or CV, demonstrate why you are motivated to work in local government finance.
- Stay Professional: Follow all instructions carefully and avoid any form of canvassing.
Conclusion
The Knysna Municipality Finance Management Learning Programme 2025 is more than just an internship—it is a structured career development opportunity that equips graduates with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in financial management within local government.
If you are a female graduate from the Garden Route District with a qualification in Accounting, Business, or Finance, this programme could be the stepping stone you’ve been waiting for.
With applications closing on 9 October 2025, now is the time to prepare your documents and take advantage of this unique opportunity to start building your career in public finance.
