Hey, future leaders and game-changers! 👋 Ready to kickstart your professional journey with an incredible opportunity in public service? Let’s talk about the CoGTA Graduate Internship Programme for 2025/2026. Bursaries Room is here to shine a spotlight on this fantastic chance for recent graduates to gain invaluable experience, grow their skills, and get a solid head start in their careers – all while making a real difference in South Africa!
This isn’t just any internship; it’s a structured 12-month programme by the Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) designed specifically to bridge the gap between your academic achievements and the professional world. Imagine applying what you’ve learned, receiving mentorship from experienced professionals, and being placed in a unit that directly aligns with your qualification and career goals. It’s an opportunity to dive deep into the workings of local government, develop critical competencies, and earn a monthly stipend of R7 860.39 – sweet! While it’s officially an internship, we know that getting your foot in the door with a paid opportunity like this can feel just as impactful as a bursary, helping you invest in your future.
Who Can Apply?
CoGTA is looking for bright, motivated South African citizens who are recent graduates. Here’s the lowdown on if you qualify:
- You must be a recent graduate with a relevant National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree.
- No prior internship or contract work in the Public Service or Private Sector – this is super important! (Seriously, if you don’t disclose it, you could be disqualified or even dismissed).
- You need to be a South African citizen.
- A strong motivation to work in public service is key!
- Bonus points: Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply – CoGTA is committed to equity!
What Does It Cover?
While this isn’t a traditional bursary for tuition, this internship programme offers comprehensive support for your entry into the professional world:
- A monthly stipend of R7 860.39 to support you during your 12-month journey.
- A 12-month contract providing real-world experience (this contract is non-renewable, so make the most of it!).
- Placement in a specific unit within CoGTA that matches your qualification and career aspirations, giving you relevant exposure.
- Structured mentorship and competency-based training from experienced professionals who will guide your growth.
This is your chance to gain practical skills, build a professional network, and truly understand the public sector.
How to Apply?
Ready to jump on this opportunity? Here’s your step-by-step guide to applying for the CoGTA Graduate Internship Programme:
First, identify which internship field aligns with your qualification and note its reference number. Here are the fields available in Pretoria and their specific application email addresses:
- Corporate Branding & Communication (Ref: HRD/2025/1): Graphic Design & Communication, Marketing (NQF 6/7, SAQA). Apply via email: [email protected] (Enquiries: Ms M Bakhane / Mr S Ramphisa — 012 334 0628 / 0629)
- Human Capital Management (Ref: HRD/2025/2): HRM, Industrial Psychology, Social Sciences, Public Administration (Personnel Practices). Apply via email: [email protected]
- Information Technology (Ref: HRD/2025/3): IT, Computer Science, Informatics. Apply via email: [email protected]
- Legal Services (Ref: HRD/2025/4): LLB (NQF 8, SAQA). Apply via email: [email protected]
- Facilities & Security Management (Ref: HRD/2025/5): Security Management (ND) OR Social Sciences with Psychology/Sociology/Criminology + driver’s licence. Apply via email: [email protected]
- Community Work Programme (CWP) (Ref: HRD/2025/6): Public Administration & Management. Apply via email: [email protected]
- CWP Partnerships, Training & Special Projects (Ref: HRD/2025/7): Business Management, Project Management (with Contract Management). Apply via email: [email protected]
- CWP Financial Coordination (Ref: HRD/2025/8): Financial Management, Accounting. Apply via email: [email protected]
- Supply Chain Management (Ref: HRD/2025/9): Logistics, Supply Chain Management. Apply via email: [email protected]
- Internal Control (Ref: HRD/2025/10): Accounting. Apply via email: [email protected]
- Disaster Risk Reduction & Capacity Development (Ref: HRD/2025/11): Disaster Management / Disaster Risk Reduction. Apply via email: [email protected]
- Disaster Preparedness, Response & Recovery Coordination (Ref: HRD/2025/12): Disaster Management / Disaster Risk Reduction. Apply via email: [email protected]
- Strategic & Executive Support (Ref: HRD/2025/13): Public Management / Public Administration. Apply via email: [email protected]
- Internal Audit & Risk Management (Ref: HRD/2025/14): Internal Audit, Risk Management. Apply via email: [email protected]
- Local Government Ops & Support — DDG Office (Ref: HRD/2025/15): Administration. Apply via email: [email protected]
- LG Ops & Support — Gauteng & Free State Cluster (Ref: HRD/2025/16): Public Administration / Development Studies. Apply via email: [email protected]
- LG Ops & Support — Limpopo & Mpumalanga Cluster (Ref: HRD/2025/17): Public Administration / Development Studies. Apply via email: [email protected]
- LG Ops & Support — Western & Eastern Cape Cluster (Ref: HRD/2025/18): Public Administration / Development Studies. Apply via email: [email protected]
- Municipal Powers & Functions and Interventions Support (Ref: HRD/2025/19): Public Administration / Management. Apply via email: [email protected]
- Knowledge Management, Monitoring & Reporting Systems (Ref: HRD/2025/20): Development Studies, Knowledge Management, Information Systems. Apply via email: [email protected]
- Policy, Governance & Administration — DDG Office (Ref: HRD/2025/21): Administration. Apply via email: [email protected]
- Municipal Capacity Development (Ref: HRD/2025/22): Human Resource Development / Public Administration + driver’s licence. Apply via email: [email protected]
Once you’ve picked your dream spot, follow these crucial steps:
- Download & complete the NEW Z83 form (it became effective on 1 Jan 2021). You can find it here: http://www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa2g/vacancies.asp. Make sure it’s the new one, as old forms won’t be accepted!
- Prepare your updated CV. Your CV needs to be super clear with exact start/end dates for all your roles, levels/ranks, your current remuneration (if applicable), and at least two contactable references. One of these references must be your current or last supervisor. You can also check cogta.gov.za (under the Jobs tab) for a recommended CV template if you like!
- Email your complete application. Send your filled-out Z83 form and your detailed CV to the specific email address for the internship you’re applying for (as listed above).
- Foreign qualifications? If your qualifications are from outside South Africa, remember to attach proof of your SAQA evaluation.
- Don’t send certified copies just yet! CoGTA will only request certified copies of your ID and qualifications if you are shortlisted for the programme.
Heads Up: CoGTA will only contact shortlisted candidates, so keep an eye on your inbox! Also, seriously, do not fail to disclose any prior internship or contract work in the public or private sector. It will lead to disqualification or even dismissal, and we don’t want that for you!
If diving into public service with the CoGTA Graduate Internship Programme sounds like your next big adventure, don’t hesitate – apply now and grab this amazing chance to shape your future! And remember, for more incredible opportunities like this, keep checking Bursaries Room – your go-to hub for bursaries and student funding in South Africa!
