Western Cape Government Graduate Internships 2026

The Western Cape Government Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027 is officially open, offering unemployed graduates a valuable opportunity to gain practical workplace experience across a range of provincial departments.

• Location: Cape Town CBD & other areas in the Western Cape
• Stipend: Monthly stipend (amount determined by department)
• Closing Date: 02 March 2026

Quick Overview

• Programme: Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027
• Organisation: Western Cape Government
• Department: Department of the Premier
• Tracking Number: GRAD 2026–2027
• Reference Number: WCG260203-4
• Job Type: Internship
• Duration: 3 to 24 months

This Youth Development Programme is designed to help graduates develop job-ready skills, build professional networks, and improve long-term employability within the public sector and beyond.

If you are a young graduate living in the Western Cape and struggling to secure work experience after completing your studies, this programme could be your ideal entry point into the world of work.

About the Graduate Internship Programme

The Western Cape Government invites unemployed South African graduates residing in the Western Cape to apply for this structured internship programme. Successful candidates will be placed in provincial departments where they will receive on-the-job training, mentorship, and exposure to real government operations.

The programme aims to bridge the gap between academic study and the workplace by giving graduates the experience employers often require.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen
• Be between 20 and 35 years old
• Reside in the Western Cape
• Have completed one of the following:
  • Certificate (NQF Level 5)
  • Diploma (NQF Level 6)
  • Degree (NQF Level 7)
  • Postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8 or higher)
• Be unemployed and seeking practical work experience

Recommendation:
Applicants who are financially constrained and lack access to career guidance are encouraged to apply.

Departments for Placement

Interns may be placed in the following provincial departments:

• Agriculture
• Police Oversight and Community Safety
• Cultural Affairs and Sport
• Department of the Premier
• Economic Development and Tourism
• Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
• Department of Infrastructure
• Local Government
• Mobility Department
• Provincial Treasury
• Social Development

Why You Should Apply

By joining the programme, you will:

• Gain hands-on work experience
• Develop workplace and professional skills
• Build a professional network
• Obtain contactable references for your CV
• Gain exposure to government careers and make informed career decisions

Required Competencies

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Good written and verbal communication skills (in at least two official Western Cape languages)
• Computer literacy (MS Office)
• Ability to operate office equipment
• Planning and organisational skills

Documents Required

Applicants must upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (preferably MS Word format)
• Certified copy of Identity Document (ID)
• Qualification certificate or academic results

All documents will be verified. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to Apply (Online Only)

Applications must be submitted online via the Western Cape Government eRecruit portal.

Phase 1: Registration

1. Click “Create Account”
2. Complete your personal details
3. Upload required documents
4. Submit your profile
5. Verify your email address

Phase 2: Application

1. Locate the Graduate Internship Programme 2026/2027
2. Click “Apply”
3. Complete the application questions
4. Submit your application
5. Receive email confirmation

👉 Apply here:
https://westerncapegov.erecruit.co/candidateapp/Jobs/View/WCG260203-4

Internet Access Support

If you do not have access to a computer, you may apply using:

• Local libraries
• Thusong Service Centres
• E-Community Forums and e-Centres
• Western Cape Government Walk-in Contact Centres
• Internet cafés

Enquiries

• Ms B. Kirkwood: (021) 483 2024
• Ms Y. Dempers: (021) 483 0742

Technical Support:

• Helpline: 0861 370 214
• Available Monday–Friday, 08:00–16:00

Important Notes

• Only online applications will be accepted
• No emailed, faxed, or late applications will be considered
• Applications remain on the database for 12 months
• Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Relocation, subsistence, and travel costs are not covered