The City of Johannesburg is calling on local students and graduates to apply for its Social Development Internship Programme for 2026. Successful candidates will earn a monthly stipend of R10,109.86. Applications close on 20 August 2026.
The internships are based at the Traduna Building in Johannesburg and are open exclusively to residents of the city. The programme is designed to provide practical work experience for those seeking to fulfil academic or experiential training requirements.
Internship Programme Details
The Social Development Department is offering two internship streams: Food Value Chain and Women and Elderly. Both positions are available for a period not exceeding 18 months. Applicants must submit their applications online and attach all required supporting documents.
The Food Value Chain internship is housed within the Food Resilience Unit. Candidates must have completed Grade 12 and hold a degree or diploma in Agriculture Studies, Development Studies, or a related field. The Women and Elderly internship, under the Targeted Beneficiaries Unit, requires a BA in Social Sciences, Developmental Studies, or Gender Studies at NQF Level 7.
Eligibility Criteria And Application Process
Only residents of Johannesburg are eligible to apply for these internships. Applicants must not have previously participated in an internship programme unless it was unrelated to their current field of study. All applications must be submitted online, and no email submissions will be accepted.
Supporting documents required include a curriculum vitae, certified copies of identification, and relevant qualifications. The City advises applicants to use Google Chrome for the online application process.
“Only online applications will be considered.”
Shortlisted candidates may undergo credit, criminal, and employment record checks as part of the recruitment process. By applying, candidates consent to the use of their personal information for selection purposes.
Food Value Chain Internship Responsibilities
Interns in the Food Value Chain stream will assist with activities related to agricultural value chains, food processing, and food safety. The role is designed to help farmers transition from primary production to value-added products.
Key duties include supporting smallholder agricultural production, facilitating market linkages, and coordinating with local partners. Interns will also help organise agricultural market days and manage relationships with farmers and agro-processors.
“The successful intern will support activities relating to agricultural value chains, food processing, food quality and food safety.”
Applicants should possess skills in marketing, conflict management, stakeholder mobilisation, research, and project management. Knowledge of food security, agricultural systems, and market research is also important.
Women And Elderly Internship Responsibilities
The Women and Elderly internship focuses on supporting programmes aimed at these groups within the city. Interns will help plan and implement projects, provide general support to managers, and assist with productivity improvements.
Responsibilities also include liaising with internal and external stakeholders, supporting integrated service delivery, and assisting with budget planning. Interns are expected to work within the City’s financial policies and ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
“The intern will support the implementation and facilitation of Women and Elderly programmes to help ensure effective and quality service delivery.”
Applicants should demonstrate computer literacy, proficiency in Microsoft Office, strong communication and presentation skills, and leadership ability. Familiarity with local government and municipal procedures is recommended.
Important Dates And Contact Information
The closing date for applications is Thursday, 20 August 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and those who do not receive feedback within six weeks should consider their applications unsuccessful.
For enquiries, applicants may contact Mathapelo Nare at the City of Johannesburg. However, CVs and applications sent to the enquiry email address will not be accepted.
“The City of Johannesburg is an equal opportunity employer.”
The City reserves the right not to make an appointment, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. No benefits are included in the internship, and the monthly salary is fixed at R10,109.86.