The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) is opening its doors to unemployed graduates through the Internship Programme 2025/2026. This 12-month programme offers hands-on workplace training across multiple fields, helping young professionals gain the experience and exposure needed to build careers in the public service sector.
Closing Date: 10 October 2025
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Duration: 12 Months
Internship Opportunities Available
DCoG is offering diverse internship placements across departments. Below is a list of available opportunities and their reference numbers:
Corporate Branding and Communication
- Qualification Required: National Diploma/Degree in Graphic Design, Communication, Marketing, or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/1
- Apply to: Recruitment06@cogta.gov.za
Human Capital Management
- Qualification Required: HR Management, Industrial Psychology, Social Sciences, Public Administration (Personnel Practices) or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/2
- Apply to: Recruitment07@cogta.gov.za
Information Technology
- Qualification Required: Information Technology, Computer Science, Informatics, or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/3
- Apply to: Recruitment08@cogta.gov.za
Legal Services
- Qualification Required: LLB (NQF Level 8 recognised by SAQA)
- Reference No: HRD/2025/4
- Apply to: Recruitment09@cogta.gov.za
Facilities and Security Management
- Qualification Required: Diploma in Security Management OR Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences (with Psychology, Sociology or Criminology), plus valid driver’s licence
- Reference No: HRD/2025/5
- Apply to: Recruitment10@cogta.gov.za
Community Work Programme (CWP)
- Qualification Required: Public Administration, Public Management or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/6
- Apply to: Recruitment11@cogta.gov.za
CWP Partnerships, Training & Special Projects
- Qualification Required: Business Management, Project Management (Contract Management) or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/7
- Apply to: Recruitment12@cogta.gov.za
CWP Financial Coordination
- Qualification Required: Financial Management, Accounting or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/8
- Apply to: Recruitment13@cogta.gov.za
Supply Chain Management
- Qualification Required: Logistics, Supply Chain Management or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/9
- Apply to: Recruitment14@cogta.gov.za
Internal Control
- Qualification Required: Accounting or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/10
- Apply to: Recruitment15@cogta.gov.za
Disaster Risk Reduction & Capacity Development
- Qualification Required: Disaster Management or equivalent (Disaster Risk Reduction)
- Reference No: HRD/2025/11
- Apply to: Recruitment16@cogta.gov.za
Disaster Preparedness, Response & Recovery
- Qualification Required: Disaster Management or equivalent (Disaster Risk Reduction)
- Reference No: HRD/2025/12
- Apply to: Recruitment17@cogta.gov.za
Strategic and Executive Support
- Qualification Required: Public Management, Public Administration or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/13
- Apply to: Recruitment18@cogta.gov.za
Internal Audit and Risk Management
- Qualification Required: Internal Audit, Risk Management or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/14
- Apply to: Recruitment19@cogta.gov.za
Local Government Operations & Support (DDG’s Office)
- Qualification Required: Administration or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/15
- Apply to: Recruitment20@cogta.gov.za
Local Government Operations & Support (Gauteng & Free State)
- Qualification Required: Public Administration, Development Studies or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/16
- Apply to: Recruitment21@cogta.gov.za
Local Government Operations & Support (Limpopo & Mpumalanga)
- Qualification Required: Public Administration, Development Studies or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/17
- Apply to: Recruitment22@cogta.gov.za
Local Government Operations & Support (Western Cape & Eastern Cape)
- Qualification Required: Public Administration, Development Studies or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/18
- Apply to: Recruitment23@cogta.gov.za
Municipal Powers & Functions & Interventions Support
- Qualification Required: Public Administration, Management or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/19
- Apply to: Recruitment24@cogta.gov.za
Knowledge Management, Monitoring & Reporting Systems
- Qualification Required: Development Studies, Knowledge Management, Information Systems or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/20
- Apply to: Recruitment25@cogta.gov.za
Policy Governance and Administration (DDG’s Office)
- Qualification Required: Administration or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/21
- Apply to: Recruitment26@cogta.gov.za
Municipal Capacity Development
- Qualification Required: Human Resource Development, Public Administration or equivalent
- Reference No: HRD/2025/22
- Apply to: Recruitment27@cogta.gov.za
How to Apply
- Complete a Z83 Form – Download from the EDUSTUDENT website.
- Attach an Updated CV – Only CVs are required at this stage.
- Email Applications – Use the correct email address linked to each internship and include the Reference No, Position, and Centre in the subject line.
Important: Only shortlisted candidates will need to provide certified copies of ID, qualifications, and academic records.
Important Notes
- Applicants must be unemployed graduates who have not previously served as interns in the Public Service or private sector.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Conclusion
The Department of Cooperative Governance Internships 2025/2026 provide a rare chance for South African graduates to gain skills and practical exposure in government. With a wide range of disciplines available, this programme equips young professionals with experience to step confidently into the job market. If you meet the requirements, make sure you apply before 10 October 2025 and take the first step towards building a career in public service.