The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is offering a 24-month paid internship programme for unemployed South African graduates in arts, culture, sport, administration, finance, ICT, and related fields for the 2026–2028 intake.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has officially opened applications for its Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028, a structured 24-month opportunity aimed at unemployed South African graduates seeking practical workplace exposure within the public sector.
This internship programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and real-world work experience, particularly for graduates who aspire to build long-term careers in government, arts and culture institutions, heritage management, sport development, administration, finance, ICT, and related professional fields.
Successful candidates will be placed at the Department’s head office and supported through hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to government operations.
Internship Programme Overview
The internship programme runs for a fixed period of 24 months and provides meaningful work experience aligned to the intern’s field of study.
Programme Duration: 24 Months
Monthly Stipend: R7 860.50
Internship Location: Pretoria
Eligibility: Unemployed South African graduates
The programme targets graduates who have completed a qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher and are ready to enter the workplace.
Available Internship Opportunities and Fields of Study
The Department is offering internship placements across a wide range of disciplines, reflecting its broad mandate in sport, arts, culture, heritage, and administration.
National Archives and Film Archives (Ref No: 01/2026) – 3 Posts
Required qualification areas include Archival Studies, Museum and Heritage Studies, History, Library and Information Science, Media Studies, IT, Sound, Film and Television, Book and Paper Conservation, or related fields.
Heritage Promotion and Preservation (Ref No: 02/2026) – 3 Posts
Applicants must hold a qualification in Museums and Heritage Studies, History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or related fields.
National Language Services (Ref No: 03/2026) – 3 Posts
Relevant qualifications include Language Planning, Terminology Development, Translation and Editing, Human Language Technology, South African Sign Language Interpreting, or related disciplines.
Cultural Development (Ref No: 04/2026) – 3 Posts
Suitable for graduates in Dramatic Arts, Fine Arts, Motion Picture Studies, or Media Studies.
Entity Oversight and Interface (Ref No: 05/2026) – 1 Post
Applicants should have qualifications in Public Administration, Corporate Governance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Financial Management, Public Finance, Audit, Accounting, or related fields.
International Cooperation and Donor Coordination (Ref No: 06/2026) – 3 Posts
Relevant study areas include International Relations, Politics, or similar fields.
Human Resource Management (Ref No: 07/2026) – 1 Post
Qualifications in Human Resource Management or Public Administration/Management are required.
Social Cohesion and Nation Building (Ref No: 08/2026) – 2 Posts
Open to graduates in Social Sciences with majors such as Sociology, History, Anthropology, Economics, Education, Gender Studies, or Religious Studies.
Risk Management (Ref No: 09/2026) – 2 Posts
Applicants must hold qualifications in Risk Management, Accounting, Commerce, Auditing, Data Science, Project Management, or related fields.
Financial Administration and Management (Ref No: 10/2026) – 1 Post
Suitable qualifications include Finance, Accounting, or Economics.
Supply Chain Management (Ref No: 11/2026) – 1 Post
Applicants must have studied Supply Chain Management, Purchasing Management, Logistics Management, or related fields.
Communications and Marketing (Ref No: 12/2026) – 1 Post
Open to graduates in Communication, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies, or similar disciplines.
Information and Communication Technology (Ref No: 13/2026) – 1 Post
Relevant fields include Information Technology, Software Development, Web Development, or Application Development.
Legal Services (Ref No: 14/2026) – 1 Post
Applicants must hold a BProc or LLB degree recognised by SAQA.
Internal Audit (Ref No: 15/2026) – 1 Post
Qualifications in Information Systems, Computer Science, Auditing, or related fields are required.
Strategic Management and Planning (Ref No: 16/2026) – 1 Post
Suitable for graduates in Public Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation, Strategic Management, Knowledge Management, Commerce, or Auditing.
Infrastructure (Ref No: 17/2026) – 3 Posts
Applicants must hold qualifications in the Built Environment or related disciplines.
Active and Winning Nations (Ref No: 18/2026) – 6 Posts
Relevant qualifications include Sports Management, Recreation Management, Sports Science, or Biokinetics.
Security and Work Environment (Ref No: 19/2026) – 1 Post
Applicants should have studied Public Administration, Accounting, or related fields.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture e-Recruitment system:
https://erecruit.dsac.gov.za/public/login_test.php
Applicants are required to create a profile, complete all personal details, and fully complete the electronic Z83 form on the system. Applications must be submitted before the stated closing date.
Important Information for Applicants
- Supporting documents will only be requested from shortlisted candidates
- Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted
- All internship placements are based in Pretoria
- The Department does not provide accommodation or transport
- The e-Recruitment system is accessible on both computers and smartphones
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Applicants without internet access may contact the Department to arrange on-site assistance
Enquiries
For further information, applicants may contact:
Ms Emelda Baloyi – Tel: (012) 441 3602
Mr Mbudzeni Mashapha – Tel: (012) 441 3524
Mr Mamoshane Mashabela – Tel: (012) 304 3031
Conclusion
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028 offers unemployed graduates a valuable opportunity to gain structured, paid workplace experience within the public sector. With placements across arts, culture, heritage, sport, administration, finance, ICT, and governance, this programme provides a strong foundation for graduates seeking to build sustainable careers in government and related institutions.
