Introduction
The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) is opening its doors to unemployed graduates through the 2025/2026 Internship Programme. Based in Pretoria, this 12-month opportunity gives young South Africans the chance to gain practical work experience across multiple disciplines while contributing to public service delivery.
Successful applicants will enter into a fixed-term contract with the Department, gaining real exposure in their chosen field. Importantly, applicants should not have previously served as interns or contract workers in either the Public Service (including Local Government) or the Private Sector.
Internship Opportunities Available
The Department of Cooperative Governance is offering a wide range of internships across various units. Below are the available fields and requirements:
Corporate Branding and Communication
- Reference No: HRD/2025/1
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Graphic Design and Communication, Marketing, or equivalent.
Human Capital Management
- Reference No: HRD/2025/2
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology, Social Sciences, or Public Administration (Personnel Practices).
Information Technology
- Reference No: HRD/2025/3
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Informatics, or equivalent.
Legal Services
- Reference No: HRD/2025/4
- Qualification: LLB at NQF Level 8 as recognised by SAQA.
Facilities and Security Management
- Reference No: HRD/2025/5
- Qualification: National Diploma in Security Management or a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences (Psychology, Social Sciences, or Criminology). A valid driver’s licence is also required.
Community Work Programme (CWP)
- Reference No: HRD/2025/6
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Public Administration or Public Management.
CWP Partnerships, Training and Special Projects
- Reference No: HRD/2025/7
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Business Management or Project Management (with Contract Management).
CWP Financial Coordination
- Reference No: HRD/2025/8
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Financial Management or Accounting.
Supply Chain Management
- Reference No: HRD/2025/9
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Logistics or Supply Chain Management.
Internal Control
- Reference No: HRD/2025/10
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Accounting or equivalent.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Capacity Development
- Reference No: HRD/2025/11
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Disaster Management or equivalent (with Disaster Risk Reduction).
Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery Coordination
- Reference No: HRD/2025/12
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Disaster Management or equivalent (with Disaster Risk Reduction).
Strategic and Executive Support
- Reference No: HRD/2025/13
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Public Management or Public Administration.
Internal Audit and Risk Management
- Reference No: HRD/2025/14
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Internal Audit or Risk Management.
Local Government Operations and Support (Deputy Director-General’s Office)
- Reference No: HRD/2025/15
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Administration.
Local Government Operations and Support (Gauteng and Free State Cluster)
- Reference No: HRD/2025/16
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Public Administration or Development Studies.
Local Government Operations and Support (Limpopo and Mpumalanga Cluster)
- Reference No: HRD/2025/17
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Public Administration or Development Studies.
Local Government Operations and Support (Western Cape and Eastern Cape Cluster)
- Reference No: HRD/2025/18
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Public Administration or Development Studies.
Municipal Powers and Functions and Interventions Support
- Reference No: HRD/2025/19
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Public Administration or Management.
Knowledge Management, Monitoring and Reporting Systems
- Reference No: HRD/2025/20
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Development Studies, Knowledge Management, or Information Systems.
Policy Governance and Administration (Deputy Director-General’s Office)
- Reference No: HRD/2025/21
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Administration.
Municipal Capacity Development
- Reference No: HRD/2025/22
- Qualification: National Diploma/Degree in Human Resource Development or Public Administration.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted with a Z83 form (Download Here) and must be accompanied by recently updated CV Only. Please indicate the Reference number, Position and Area/Centre on your application form.
Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of an ID documents, qualifications, and recent academic transcripts / records.
Send Applications to the give Email. Please indicate the Reference number and Position in the email subject
Internship: Corporate Branding and Communication
Reference No: HRD/2025/1
Send Applications to: Recruitment06@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Human Capital Management
Reference No: HRD/2025/2
Send Applications to: Recruitment07@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Information Technology
Reference No: HRD/2025/3
Send Applications to: Recruitment08@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Legal Services
Reference No: HRD/2025/4
Send Applications to: Recruitment09@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Facilities and Security Management
Reference No: HRD/2025/5
Send Applications to: Recruitment10@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Community Work S Programme (CWP)
Reference No: HRD/2025/6
Send Applications to: Recruitment11@cogta.gov.za
Internship: CWP Partnerships, Training and Special Projects
Reference No: HRD /2025/7
Send Applications to: Recruitment12@cogta.gov.za
Internship: CWP Financial Coordination
Reference No: HRD/2025/8
Send Applications to: Recruitment13@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Supply Chain Management
Reference No: HRD/2025/9
Send Applications to: Recruitment14@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Internal Control
Reference No: HRD/2025/10
Send Applications to: Recruitment15@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Disaster Risk Reduction and Capacity Development
Reference No: HRD/2025/11
Send Applications to: Recruitment16@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery Coordination
Reference No: HRD/2025/12
Send Applications to: Recruitment17@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Strategic and Executive Support
Reference No: HRD/2025/13
Send Applications to: Recruitment18@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Internal Audit and Risk Management
Reference No: HRD/2025/14
Send Applications to: Recruitment19@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Local Government Operations and Support (Deputy Director-general’s Office)
Reference No: HRD/2025/15
Send Applications to: Recruitment20@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Local Government Operations and Support (Gauteng And Free State Cluster)
Reference No: HRD/2025/16
Send Applications to: Recruitment21@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Local Government Operations and Support (Limpopo & Mpumalanga Cluster)
Reference No: HRD/2025/17
Send Applications to: Recruitment22@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Local Government Operations And Support (Western Cape/ Eastern Cape Cluster)
Reference No: HRD/2025/18
Send Applications to: Recruitment23@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Municipal Powers and Functions and Interventions Support
Reference No: HRD/2025/19
Send Applications to: Recruitment24@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Knowledge Management, Monitoring and Reporting Systems
Reference No: HRD/2025/20
Send Applications to: Recruitment25@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Policy Governance and Administration (Deputy Director-general’s Office)
Reference No: HRD/2025/21
Send Applications to: Recruitment26@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Municipal Capacity Development
Reference No: HRD/2025/22
Send Applications to: Recruitment27@cogta.gov.za
Internship: Municipal Capacity Development
Reference No: HRD/2025/22
Send Applications to: Recruitment27@cogta.gov.za
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 10 October 2025.
Conclusion
The Department of Cooperative Governance Internship Programme 2025/2026 is a valuable chance for unemployed graduates to gain meaningful work experience in government while contributing to national development. With opportunities across a wide range of fields, from IT and Legal Services to Disaster Management and Human Resources, this programme caters to diverse academic backgrounds.
If you are a graduate between the ages of 18 and 35 and meet the requirements, don’t miss the opportunity to apply before 10 October 2025. This could be the stepping stone to a rewarding career in public service.