The Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is seeking unemployed graduates for its 2026 internship programme. Eleven positions are available across several districts. Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of R8 174.75.
The internships are designed to provide practical work experience in the public sector. The programme will run for 24 months and is not renewable. Applicants must meet specific qualification and residency requirements.
Internship Programme Details And Eligibility
The department’s initiative targets South African citizens who have not previously participated in any internship programme. Applicants must be unemployed and possess a Grade 12 certificate along with a relevant National Diploma or degree. The programme is open to those residing in the demographic area where the internship is offered.
Candidates are required to have no criminal record and must be available for the full duration of the 24-month contract. The department has specified that, “Candidates who previously completed or are currently participating in an internship programme will not be considered.”
Available Positions And Locations
Internship opportunities are distributed across Qonce, East London, Mount Ayliff, Komani, Maletswai, Gqeberha, Mthatha, and Makhanda. The roles span various fields including Human Resource Development, Strategic Planning, Cultural Affairs, School Sport and Recreation, Sport and Recreation, and Museums and Heritage.
Each position has its own reference number and qualification requirements. For example, the Human Resource Development internship at the head office in Qonce requires a three-year degree or National Diploma in Training and Development, Management of Training, or Human Resource Management with Training as a major subject.
Key Responsibilities And Duties
Interns will be involved in a range of activities depending on their placement. In Human Resource Development, duties include assisting with workplace skills programmes, bursary administration, and youth-development meetings. Strategic Planning interns will help with planning sessions, statutory documents, and stakeholder meetings.
In the arts and culture sector, interns will coordinate programmes, maintain stakeholder databases, and support events. The department notes that, “The intern will assist with strategic planning sessions, statutory planning documents, stakeholder meetings, reports, minute-taking and the collection of planning information from departmental programmes.”
Application Process And Requirements
Applications must be submitted through the Eastern Cape Government e-Recruitment system. Candidates should select the internship that matches their qualification and location, use the correct reference number, and upload all required documents. The department advises applicants to, “Review the information carefully. Submit the application before the closing date displayed online.”
Technical queries about the application process can be directed to the department’s e-recruitment support email. For general questions about the internship programme, contact details for Ms Z. Mhloma and Ms R. Swartbooi are provided.
Stipend And Additional Information
Successful interns will receive a monthly stipend of R8 174.75. The advertisement does not mention benefits such as accommodation, transport, medical aid, or relocation assistance. The contract is strictly for 24 months and cannot be renewed or repeated.
Applicants are reminded to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying. The closing date for applications is not specified in the advertisement and candidates are encouraged to check the e-Recruitment portal for updates on deadlines for each position.