eThekwini Municipality is inviting unemployed graduates and TVET students to apply for the Internship Programme 2026/2027. This programme provides an excellent opportunity for young South Africans to gain practical workplace experience while developing professional skills in a real working environment.
The internship is designed for graduates and students who have little or no previous work experience. Successful applicants will be placed in different municipal departments according to their qualifications and field of study. The programme offers structured workplace learning that helps participants gain valuable industry exposure and improve their future employment prospects.
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend, while also benefiting from mentorship, practical training, and professional development throughout the internship period.
Internship Programme Overview
- Programme: Internship Programme 2026/2027
- Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Closing Date: 17 July 2026
The internship programme has been created to bridge the gap between academic studies and the workplace by providing graduates and TVET students with meaningful practical experience. Participants will work alongside experienced professionals while developing technical and professional skills required in their respective careers.
TVET graduates who have completed their N6 qualification requirements will be placed for 18 months, while university graduates will participate in the programme for up to 24 months, depending on the qualification requirements.
Monthly Stipend
- Successful interns will receive a monthly stipend ranging from: R2 795.03 to R8 498.47 per month
The amount paid depends on the applicant’s qualification level.
Purpose of the Programme
The internship initiative aims to close the gap between theoretical learning and workplace readiness. Many graduates in South Africa complete their studies only to find that employers require prior experience before offering permanent positions. This programme addresses that challenge directly by giving participants real exposure to municipal operations, professional mentorship, and the opportunity to build a track record that can be used when applying for future employment.
Beyond individual benefit, the programme supports broader skills development goals within the local government sector, helping build a pipeline of trained, work-ready professionals across a wide range of disciplines.
Study Fields and Qualifications Considered
Applications are open to graduates and students across a broad spectrum of academic disciplines. Below is a breakdown of the study fields and accepted qualifications.
Study Field: Finance and Economics
Qualification: Accounting, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Cost and Management Accounting, Accounting Science Financial Management, Financial Information Systems, Auditing, Forensic Accounting, Economics, Finance and Economic Management, Insurance, Commerce related studies, BCom Studies, Financial Risk Management, Asset Management, Economic Development.
Study Field: Administration
Qualification: Office Management and Technology, Public Administration, Public Management, Business Management, Business Administration, Disaster Management.
Study Field: Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Environmental Studies
Qualification: Environmental Science, Horticulture, Nature Conservation, Agriculture, Environmental Management, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Business and Management, Natural Sciences, Ecological Sciences, Geographical Information Systems, Population Studies, Archaeology, BSc Computer Science, Food Security.
Study Field: Health and Life Science
Qualification: Microbiology, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology or Biomedical Technology, Zoology, Botany, Hydrology, Environmental Health, Enrolled Nursing or Nursing Science.
Study Field: Engineering and Built Environment
Qualification: Electrical Engineering, Auto Electrician, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Process Instrumentation, Building and Quantity Surveying, Town Planning, Property Studies, Construction Management, Architectural Engineering and Design.
Study Field: Humanities and Management
Qualification: Human Resources, Operations Management, Hospitality, IT Web Development or Programming, Data Analysis, Information and Communication Technology, Marketing and Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, Tourism, Industrial Psychology, Quality Management, Leisure Science, Communication Studies, Risk Management, Project Management, Health and Safety Management, Maritime Studies, Sport Management or Sport Science, Library and Information Science, Intergovernmental Relations, International Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, Social Work, Social Sciences, Sociology, Archaeology, Community Development, Development Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Policy or Policy Development, Anthropology.
Study Field: Law
Qualification: LLB, Forensic Auditing or Investigations, Criminology, Internal Auditing.
Study Field: Art and Design
Qualification: Graphic Design, Video Technology, Photography, Language Practice, Dramatic Arts, Film and TV Production, Fine Art.
This wide coverage means candidates from nearly every academic background stand a fair chance of finding a placement suited to their qualification.
Stipend and Duration
Interns accepted onto the programme will receive a monthly stipend ranging from R2 795.03 to R8 498.47, depending on the level of qualification held. Placement duration is set at 18 months for TVET N6 graduates completing Work Integrated Learning requirements for Nated Diploma recognition, and up to 24 months for degree or diploma graduates from universities and universities of technology.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, candidates should confirm that they meet the following requirements:
Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
Qualification: A recognized qualification is required. TVET students must hold an N6 qualification to apply for Work Integrated Learning linked to Nated Diploma recognition.
Prior Participation: Individuals who have already completed or benefited from any internship programme lasting 12 months or more will not be considered for this intake.
Reapplication: Candidates who applied in previous cycles and were unsuccessful are required to submit a new application. Previous applications will not automatically roll over into this intake.
Employment Equity: Recruitment will be guided by Employment Equity principles aimed at correcting imbalances in workplace experience among designated groups. Persons with disabilities who meet the stated requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online application system hosted at www.durban.gov.za, under the Jobs section. No other submission method will be accepted under any circumstances. Faxed, emailed, manually delivered, or late applications will be automatically disqualified regardless of the reason for the alternative submission.
Given the high volume of applications typically received for municipal internship programmes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants who do not hear back within a reasonable period after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful for this round.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Profile on the eThekwini Careers Site
Applicants who have not previously registered on the eThekwini Careers platform will need to create a profile before applying. The process is straightforward and can be completed in a few steps.
- Visit the eThekwini Careers website and select the “Jobs” tab.
- Enter a valid email address, accept the Terms and Conditions, and click “Subscribe”.
- Choose a preferred job category and location that matches the area of interest.
- Complete all personal and contact details accurately.
- Enter a current residential address.
- Add education information, including qualifications and institutions attended.
- Include relevant work experience, even if limited or informal.
- Upload a CV, which is compulsory, and a cover letter, which is optional but recommended.
- Click “Subscribe” to save the completed profile.
- Verify the email address by entering the verification code sent to the registered inbox.
Once the profile has been verified, applicants will be able to browse and apply for available vacancies, including this internship programme, directly through the eThekwini Careers site.
Key Dates and Contact Details
Closing Date: 17 July 2026
Enquiries: 031 311 3450 or 031 311 3192
Given the tight application window, interested candidates are advised to begin the registration process on the Careers site as soon as possible rather than waiting until closer to the deadline. Technical issues, verification delays, or missing documentation can all cost valuable time, and late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Final Notes for Prospective Applicants
This internship programme represents a genuine opportunity for graduates across finance, engineering, health sciences, humanities, law, and creative fields to gain the practical experience that so often stands between qualification and employment. Candidates are encouraged to prepare all supporting documents in advance, including certified copies of qualifications, identity documents, and an updated CV, so that the online application process can be completed smoothly once access to the portal is confirmed.
Those who meet the eligibility criteria and hold a qualification listed above should not delay in registering a profile and submitting an application before the closing date of 17 July 2026.