Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL) invites applications from unemployed South African graduates for its 2026/2027 Internship Programme, offering an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience at Polokwane International Airport. The programme is intended for young graduates who have completed relevant tertiary qualifications and are looking to build professional careers in aviation, information technology, communications, marketing, compliance, and related fields.
The internship is offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 12 months and includes a monthly stipend of R7,000. Successful applicants will be placed in various departments where they will receive structured workplace training, professional mentoring, and practical experience aligned with their qualifications.
Position: Internship Programme
Location: Polokwane International Airport, Limpopo, South Africa
Reference Number: Internship/GAAL/001/2026/27
Job Type: Internship
Contract Duration: 12 Months (Fixed-Term)
Monthly Stipend: R7,000
Closing Date: 25 July 2026 at 16:00
This is a re-advertisement, meaning applicants who previously submitted applications under the same reference number do not need to apply again. Existing applications will still be considered during the recruitment process.
Preference will be given to applicants residing within the Limpopo Province.
About Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL)
Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL) is a provincially owned business enterprise responsible for managing Polokwane International Airport. The airport plays an important role in supporting regional economic development, tourism, cargo transportation, and passenger travel within Limpopo Province and South Africa.
The internship programme forms part of GAAL’s commitment to developing young professionals by providing valuable workplace experience that bridges the gap between academic studies and employment.
Graduates selected for the programme will have an opportunity to develop technical knowledge, professional skills, workplace ethics, communication abilities, and industry experience while working alongside experienced professionals.
Internship Summary
- Programme: Internship Programme
- Reference Number: Internship/GAAL/001/2026/27
- Location: Polokwane International Airport
- Contract Duration: 12 Months
- Monthly Stipend: R7,000
- Closing Date: 25 July 2026 at 16:00
Available Internship Positions
Applications are invited for the following internship opportunities.
1. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Internship
- Reference Number: ICT 01/26
- Number of Positions: 1
Minimum Qualification
Applicants must possess a formal three-year Degree or National Diploma in:
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Or another related qualification at NQF Level 6
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful intern will assist with:
- System maintenance
- Network administration
- Technical troubleshooting
- User support
- Computer hardware and software support
- Documentation management
- ICT administration
- Daily technology operations
- Supporting business continuity through reliable ICT services
This opportunity is suitable for graduates interested in developing careers in IT infrastructure, technical support, networking, cybersecurity, or systems administration.
2. Public Relations Officer Internship
- Reference Number: SMCC 02/26
- Number of Positions: 1
Minimum Qualification
Applicants must possess a formal three-year Degree or National Diploma in one of the following:
- Marketing Management
- Public Relations
- Media Studies
- Journalism
- Communications
- Or another relevant qualification at NQF Level 6
Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities include:
- Content creation
- Communication planning
- Social media engagement
- Brand awareness campaigns
- Content strategy development
- Supporting communication projects
- Assisting with media-related activities
- Building relationships with stakeholders
- Managing digital communication platforms
Graduates interested in communications, digital marketing, branding, media relations, and public engagement will benefit from this internship.
3. Aviation Compliance Internship
- Reference Number: AC 03/26
- Number of Positions: 1
Minimum Qualification
Applicants must possess a formal three-year Degree or National Diploma in:
- Aviation Management
- Quality Management
- Safety Management
- Operations Management
- Or another related qualification
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful applicants will assist with:
- Monitoring airport quality systems
- Maintaining Quality Management Systems
- Supporting compliance with SACAA regulations
- Supporting compliance with ICAO standards
- Monitoring aviation legislation
- Assisting with operational compliance
- Preparing compliance documentation
- Supporting safety management initiatives
- Ensuring regulatory requirements are met
This internship is ideal for graduates interested in aviation safety, airport operations, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements before applying:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Must be unemployed.
- Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree or a three-year National Diploma in the relevant field.
- Qualification must be at NQF Level 6 or Level 7 where applicable.
- No previous work experience is required.
- Must meet the qualification requirements for the selected internship.
The programme welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from different backgrounds.
Appointments will be made in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan, with preference given to persons with disabilities and candidates from designated groups where applicable.
Benefits of the Internship Programme
The internship offers graduates an opportunity to gain valuable practical experience within the aviation industry while improving employability. Participants will receive exposure to a professional working environment and develop practical knowledge that complements academic qualifications.
Benefits include:
- Monthly stipend of R7,000
- Twelve months of workplace experience
- Professional mentorship
- Industry exposure
- Practical skills development
- Workplace training
- Opportunity to strengthen communication and teamwork skills
- Exposure to airport operations
- Improved career prospects after completion of the programme
Although completion of the internship does not guarantee permanent employment, the experience gained may significantly improve future employment opportunities.
Important Information
Applicants who previously submitted applications under this reference number should not submit another application, as previous applications remain valid.
Correspondence will only be conducted with shortlisted candidates.
If no communication is received within three months after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before application.
Appointment is subject to:
- Verification of qualifications
- Reference checks
- Security clearance
- Verification of supporting documents
Applications received from recruitment agencies will not be considered.
Applicants who have previously completed an internship with GAAL or another organisation will not be considered for this programme.
GAAL reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Required Documents
Applications should include the following certified documents:
- Cover Letter
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of qualifications
Applicants should ensure that all information submitted is accurate and complete.
How to Apply
Applications must quote the relevant reference number in the subject line.
Email applications to:
Alternatively, applications may be delivered by hand or posted to:
The Senior Manager: Human Resources
Gateway Airports Authority Limited
P.O. Box 1309
Polokwane
0700
Hand deliveries should be submitted to:
Registry Office
GAAL Old Terminal Building
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Closing Date: 25 July 2026 at 16:00
Applicants are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date to avoid last-minute delays. Only applications meeting the advertised requirements will be considered for further stages of the recruitment process.