Your Voice, Your Impact: Inside the 2026 Public Relations Internship Programme

Where aspiring writers, storytellers, and change-makers begin their journey into the heart of media and communication

A Career Begins with a Story

Some people are born to write. Others discover the power of storytelling through the pages of a magazine, a powerful campaign, or a thought-provoking headline. Whether you’ve always been the one crafting newsletters at school or you’re just beginning to explore your creative voice, the 2026 Public Relations Internship Programme offers the kind of hands-on experience that transforms potential into purpose.

Set in the vibrant, culturally rich city of Cape Town, this internship brings together aspiring writers, publicists, content creators, and communication enthusiasts from across South Africa and beyond.

It’s more than a stepping stone—it’s your platform to make an impact.

A Closer Look: Journalism & PR in Today’s World

In a world where communication happens at lightning speed, the role of journalists and PR professionals has never been more vital—or more dynamic.

• Journalists inform, investigate, and inspire. They uncover truths, elevate unheard voices, and create connection through content.
• Public Relations professionals shape stories, manage reputations, and craft campaigns that engage audiences, build trust, and drive action.

The 2026 internship programme is built to bridge both worlds, giving participants the tools to write with purpose and influence with integrity.

What Makes This Internship Special?

Unlike conventional training programmes, this internship places you in real-world roles from day one. You won’t just study journalism—you’ll be a journalist. You won’t just observe a campaign—you’ll contribute to it. Each placement is curated to match your strengths, interests, and career aspirations.

Interns can expect to:

• Publish stories in print or digital publications
• Assist in social media strategy for brands, nonprofits, or creative agencies
• Gain access to newsrooms, content studios, and PR teams
• Conduct interviews, write press releases, and attend events
• Shadow experienced journalists, editors, and publicists
• Learn how to tailor writing for different platforms and audiences

You’ll walk away with more than experience—you’ll build a working portfolio that opens doors.

Life as a Media Intern in Cape Town

Cape Town is not just a location—it’s a character in your story. The city’s diversity, artistic flair, and socio-political complexity offer a one-of-a-kind learning ground for storytellers.

Whether you’re chasing leads on Long Street, crafting a campaign for a local startup, or reporting on a township development project, Cape Town surrounds you with stories worth telling.

You’ll spend your weekdays writing, researching, attending brainstorming sessions, and shadowing professionals. Your evenings and weekends? They’re yours to explore.

On your off days, you can:

• Sip local coffee while writing in a Bo-Kaap café
• Visit District Six Museum for a deeper understanding of South Africa’s past
• Attend media networking events, open mic poetry nights, and gallery openings
• Hike Table Mountain or catch the sunset at Camps Bay

You’ll learn just as much outside the office as you do within.

Skills You’ll Gain

The 2026 Public Relations & Journalism Internship isn’t just about content creation—it’s about cultivating a voice of influence. You’ll sharpen your storytelling, develop your critical thinking, and understand the mechanics of modern media.

Core skills you’ll walk away with:

• News & Feature Writing: Learn how to write concisely and creatively for newspapers, blogs, or magazines.
• Digital Media Mastery: Explore SEO writing, email marketing, social media strategy, and multimedia journalism.
• PR Campaigns: Understand branding, reputation management, client communication, and influencer outreach.
• Interviewing Techniques: Discover how to conduct powerful interviews that humanize stories and spark emotion.
• Content Editing & Proofreading: Refine your grammar, tone, and structure with feedback from professional editors.
• Deadline Management: Master the art of working under pressure without compromising quality.

These are not just resume boosters—they’re building blocks for a successful career in media, communications, or brand storytelling.

Real Projects, Real Impact

Every intern is assigned to projects that carry real weight. Whether you’re:

• Writing for a lifestyle magazine
• Running behind-the-scenes social media at a music festival
• Supporting a public health awareness campaign
• Drafting press releases for a nonprofit’s annual fundraiser

Your contribution is seen, valued, and published.

Past interns have had work featured in:

• Regional news sites
• NGO newsletters
• Event coverage portals
• Influencer campaign packages
• And some have even co-written op-eds for advocacy campaigns

There’s no better way to gain credibility than to see your name in a byline or your copy featured on a client’s social feed.

Who Should Apply?

This internship welcomes anyone with a love for communication and a hunger to learn. You don’t need to be a journalism major—but you should be ready to observe, write, edit, pitch, and collaborate.

Ideal candidates include:

• Students or recent graduates in media, journalism, marketing, communications, English, or PR
• Bloggers, copywriters, or social media enthusiasts seeking professional experience
• Activists and changemakers who want to use storytelling for advocacy
• Career switchers exploring opportunities in digital media or PR

If you’ve ever written a heartfelt Instagram caption, crafted an argument in an essay, or found yourself fascinated by a podcast—this internship might be your calling.

Certification and Future Opportunities

Interns receive a certificate of completion, along with a personalized reference letter from their supervisor and a digital portfolio of all their published or submitted work.

Many interns go on to:

• Secure entry-level roles in newsrooms, content agencies, or PR firms
• Launch their own freelance writing or media consultancy brands
• Join postgraduate programmes in journalism, strategic communication, or media studies

Some even stay in touch with their Cape Town host companies for remote contract work or continued mentorship.

What Past Interns Say

“I covered my first public protest for a local magazine during my internship. It was eye-opening. I now work as a junior reporter in Joburg.”
– Sipho M., 2023 Intern

“I thought I’d just write blog posts, but I ended up helping run a brand’s PR campaign and got a shout-out in their client newsletter.”
– Kylie R., 2022 Intern

“This internship gave me clarity. I realized I want to use writing to highlight social issues and build campaigns that matter.”
– Tshegofatso L., 2021 Intern

Application Process: How to Join the 2026 Cohort

Spaces are limited and highly competitive—this is your chance to dive into a programme that shapes futures and fosters confidence.

To apply, you’ll typically need:

• An updated CV with relevant experience or interests
• A motivational letter (300–500 words) describing why this internship is important to you
• Links or attachments to writing samples (blog posts, essays, articles, or social content)
• APPLICATION PROCESS
• A copy of your ID or passport for verification

Check the official internship listing for exact contact details and deadlines. Some programmes also include a short interview or writing assessment to match candidates with the right placement.

Final Thoughts: Your Voice Is Your Power

Great stories don’t write themselves. Great campaigns don’t go viral on luck. They are crafted by people who understand how to connect ideas to emotions, headlines to heartbeats.

If you’re ready to use your voice to inspire, inform, and influence, then the 2026 Public Relations and Journalism Internship is your next step.

You’ll come for the writing, stay for the growth, and leave with a new understanding of who you are—and how your words can shape the world.

Explore More Opportunities
Looking for other internships in creative, tourism, or tech industries? Browse our featured programmes for 2025–2026 to find the one that fits your passion and purpose.