Introduction
If you’ve been searching for real workplace experience in areas like public administration, policy development, finance, HR or development studies, the Local Government SETA (LGSETA) Internship Programme 2025/2026 offers a powerful opportunity to begin your career. This full-time internship runs for 24 months and is designed for unemployed South African graduates under the age of 25. Successful applicants are placed in LGSETA offices across all nine provinces, gaining meaningful exposure to public sector environments while developing valuable professional skills.
This internship comes with a monthly stipend of R10 000 and gives young graduates a chance to build confidence, strengthen their CVs and gain practical experience within a respected national institution. Applications must be emailed to the address provided, and candidates are only allowed to apply in the province where they currently reside. The closing date for submissions is 05 December 2025 at 16:00.
About the Local Government SETA (LGSETA)
LGSETA is responsible for developing skills across the local government sector, including municipalities and related public institutions. Their work focuses on improving service delivery, strengthening organisational capacity and supporting professional growth in public administration. Through various programmes, LGSETA funds and supports:
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Skills programmes
- Capacity-building training
For graduates who care about governance, community development and public service, this internship provides a strong foundation for a future career in the sector.
Why This Internship Matters
A common challenge facing many graduates is the struggle to secure employment without prior work experience. The LGSETA Internship Programme helps bridge this gap by offering:
- Two full years of structured workplace training
- A consistent monthly stipend
- Exposure to key areas such as research, governance, HR, finance, policy and communication
- An opportunity to work within provincial or national LGSETA offices
- A chance to build professional references and networks
Although permanent employment is not guaranteed, the experience gained significantly strengthens your potential in future public sector applications.
Internship Opportunities Across Provinces (2025/2026)
Applicants are strictly required to apply only for the office in the province where they currently live.
Gauteng Provincial Office (X4 Interns)
Reference: GPO/01/2025
Location: Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Fields: Social Science, Policy Development, Development Studies, Public Policy
North West Provincial Office (X1 Intern)
Reference: NWPO/01/2025
Location: Klerksdorp
Fields: Social Science, Policy Development, Development Studies, Public Policy
Limpopo Provincial Office (X1 Intern)
Reference: LPO/01/2025
Location: Polokwane
Fields: Social Science, Policy Development, Development Studies, Public Policy
Mpumalanga Provincial Office (X2 Interns)
Reference: MPO/01/2025
Location: Nelspruit (Mbombela)
Fields: Social Science, Policy Development, Development Studies, Public Policy
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office (X4 Interns)
Reference: KZN/01/2025
Location: Durban
Fields: Social Science, Policy Development, Development Studies, Public Policy
Eastern Cape Provincial Office (X3 Interns)
Reference: ECPO/01/2025
Location: East London
Fields: Social Science, Policy Development, Development Studies, Public Policy
Northern Cape Provincial Office (X2 Interns)
Reference: NCPO/01/2025
Location: Kimberley
Fields: Social Science, Policy Development, Development Studies, Public Policy
Western Cape Provincial Office (X1 Intern)
Reference: WCPO/01/2025
Location: Cape Town
Fields: Social Science, Policy Development, Development Studies, Public Policy
Free State Provincial Office (X1 Intern)
Reference: FSPO/01/2025
Location: Bloemfontein
Fields: Social Science, Policy Development, Development Studies, Public Policy
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Division (X3 Interns)
Reference: FIN/01/2025
Location: Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Fields: Finance, Accounting
Communications & Marketing (X2 Interns)
Reference: COMMS/01/2025
Location: Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Fields: Communications, Media, Marketing
Human Resources Management (X1 Intern)
Reference: HR/01/2025
Location: Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Fields: Human Resource Management
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for the LGSETA Internship Programme 2025/2026, applicants must meet all the criteria below.
Educational Requirements
- Matric / Grade 12
- A completed 3-year or 4-year Degree or Advanced Diploma in a qualifying field such as:
- Public Administration / Public Management
- Development Studies
- Public Policy
- Social Science
- Finance / Accounting
- Human Resource Management
- Communications / Marketing
Age and Citizenship
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be under 25 years old
Work Experience
- Must be unemployed
- Must not have participated in any previous internship
- Must not have prior work experience in your field
Skills and Attributes
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Computer literacy (MS Office essential, MS Project an advantage)
- Time-management and organisational skills
- Willingness to commit to a 24-month internship contract
How to Apply
Follow each step carefully to ensure your application is considered.
Step 1: Prepare Your Application Documents
Your application must include:
- A brief motivational internship application letter
- A two-page CV focused on skills and achievements
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified Matric certificate
- Certified copy of your Degree or Advanced Diploma
- Official academic transcript
- Any additional documents requested in the advertisement
All certified documents must be recent and clearly visible.
Step 2: Submit Your Application via Email
Send your completed application to:
careers@lgseta.org.za
Use the following format in the subject line:
REFERENCE NUMBER – INTERNSHIP – PROVINCE
Examples:
- KZN/01/2025 – Internship – KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office
- LPO/01/2025 – Internship – Limpopo Provincial Office
- FIN/01/2025 – Internship – CFO Division
Incorrect subject lines may result in disqualification.
Step 3: Apply in Your Own Province Only
LGSETA clearly states that applicants must only submit an application for the province where they currently live. Applying for another province may lead to automatic rejection.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Keep your CV clean, simple and limited to two pages
- Ensure your subject line is accurate and correctly formatted
- Use recently certified documents
- Highlight relevant modules from your degree
- Use your application letter to explain:
- Why you want to work in the public sector
- How your studies relate to governance, communities or development
- Your commitment to learning throughout the internship
Conclusion
The LGSETA Internship Programme 2025/2026 provides one of the strongest entry-level opportunities for graduates eager to build a future in local government, public service, development, HR, communication, policy or finance. With a monthly stipend, two years of hands-on experience and exposure to real responsibilities, this internship can dramatically strengthen your career prospects. If you meet the requirements and prepare a complete application, this could be the opportunity that sets your professional journey in motion.
