The South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU) is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for a Labour Relations Intern position in Pretoria. The internship provides an opportunity for an individual with a qualification in Labour Law, Labour Relations, or Industrial Relations to gain practical workplace experience within a labour relations and trade union environment.
The position is offered as a 24-month ETDP-SETA sponsored internship. The successful candidate must be available to start immediately and will provide administrative, research, reporting, and general support to the Labour Relations Department.
Applications must be submitted before 7 September 2026.
Labour Relations Intern Job Details
Position: Labour Relations Intern
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Duration: 24 months
Job Type: Internship
Programme: ETDP-SETA sponsored
Remuneration: Stipend
Start Date: Immediate
Closing Date: 7 September 2026
The successful intern will work closely with the Labour Relations Department and assist with various administrative and operational responsibilities. The role is suited to a candidate interested in developing a career in labour relations, employment law, industrial relations, or trade union administration.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Labour Relations Intern will provide administrative assistance and support to the Labour Relations Department. Responsibilities will include maintaining accurate records, assisting with labour-related cases, conducting research, preparing documents, and supporting meetings and hearings.
Administration
The intern will assist with the development, maintenance, and regular updating of the Labour Relations Department’s case log. Accurate information must be captured and maintained to support effective case management.
The position will also involve preparing reports on labour relations cases and activities on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. Attention to detail will be important when compiling information and ensuring that reports are accurate and submitted within required timeframes.
Additional administrative responsibilities will include assisting with the preparation of documents and witnesses for various labour relations processes. These may include grievances, disciplinary hearings, conciliations, and arbitrations.
The intern will also assist with arranging travel logistics for members of the Labour Relations Department. This may involve coordinating travel arrangements and ensuring that the required logistical preparations are completed.
Research support will form part of the role. The successful candidate will assist with research relating to employment laws, labour practices, and other matters relevant to the Labour Relations Department.
The intern may be required to attend and observe disciplinary hearings, grievance hearings, counselling hearings, and Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) arbitrations. This will provide valuable practical exposure to labour relations procedures and dispute-resolution processes.
General office duties will also be required. These duties may include filing, organising documents, maintaining records, and completing other daily administrative tasks.
The successful candidate will assist with drafting labour-related communications to members. Such communications may be used to provide updates regarding relevant labour law developments and legislative changes.
Meeting coordination will also form part of the position. The intern will assist with organising meetings of the Labour Relations Department and ensuring that relevant administrative arrangements are completed.
Budget-related administrative support may also be required. The intern will assist with the management and control of the Labour Relations Department budget to help prevent unnecessary or excessive expenditure.
Reporting Responsibilities
The Labour Relations Intern will assist with researching and writing articles relating to labour law changes, legal precedents, and current labour relations trends.
These articles and research materials will help provide doctors and members with information about developments that may affect their employment rights and working conditions.
The intern will also be expected to monitor current developments and trends within the public health service. This may include changes in employment practices, labour legislation, workplace policies, and other developments affecting employees in the health sector.
Where relevant changes are identified, the intern will assist with providing information to members regarding developments that may affect them.
Another important responsibility will be ensuring that labour relations enquiries and disputes are correctly captured on the relevant case management system. Accurate case capturing is essential for effective monitoring, reporting, and follow-up.
Knowledge Requirements
Candidates applying for the Labour Relations Intern position should have an understanding of relevant South African labour legislation.
Knowledge of the following legislation will be advantageous and relevant to the position:
- Labour Relations Act (LRA)
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
- Public Service Act (PSA)
- Employment Equity Act (EEA)
- Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA)
An understanding of government regulations and policies applicable to the health sector is also required.
Candidates should have knowledge of public service collective agreements and an understanding of collective bargaining and the trade union environment.
The position provides an opportunity for a graduate to apply academic knowledge in a practical workplace environment while gaining exposure to labour relations matters involving employees and employers.
Minimum Qualification
- A Diploma in Labour Law, Labour Relations, or Industrial Relations is mandatory for this internship.
Candidates who do not possess the required diploma may not meet the minimum educational requirement for consideration.
The qualification should be supported by a certified copy of the relevant certificate or qualification document as required in the application instructions.
Skills and Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate strong administrative and communication abilities.
Important skills and competencies include:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong administrative skills
- Computer literacy
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint
- Good time-management skills
- Self-driven and motivated approach
- Report-writing skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Impeccable attention to detail
Computer skills will be particularly important because the position involves case capturing, report preparation, document management, and general administrative work.
Good communication skills are also important because the intern may assist with labour-related correspondence, research articles, member communications, meetings, and administrative support during labour relations processes.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the required supporting documents together with the application.
The application should include:
- A recent curriculum vitae
- A certified copy of an ID or passport, not older than three months
- A certified copy of the relevant qualification, not older than three months
Applicants should ensure that the submitted documents are clear and meet the stated certification requirements.
A detailed CV should clearly outline the candidate’s educational qualifications, relevant skills, and any experience related to administration, labour relations, employment law, industrial relations, research, or office support.
How to Apply
- Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV by email to: [email protected]
- The email subject line must clearly indicate the position being applied for.
- Applicants should use the following subject line: Application for Labour Relations Intern
Candidates are advised to ensure that the correct position title appears in the email subject line so that the application can be easily identified and processed.
The application should be submitted before the closing date of 7 September 2026.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is: 7 September 2026
Late applications may not be considered. Candidates are encouraged to submit applications before the deadline to avoid potential technical or email-delivery problems.
Applicants should also ensure that all required documents are attached before sending the application.
Important Information for Applicants
The Labour Relations Intern position is a two-year internship based in Pretoria. The role is sponsored through ETDP-SETA and offers a stipend as remuneration.
The successful candidate must be available to start immediately.
The internship may be particularly suitable for graduates who want to gain practical experience in labour relations, employment law, collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and trade union administration.
Exposure to disciplinary hearings, grievances, conciliations, arbitrations, CCMA processes, labour legislation research, and public health service developments can provide valuable practical experience for a future career in labour relations.
Candidates should carefully review the qualification and documentation requirements before submitting an application.
SAMATU has stated that applicants who do not receive communication within two weeks after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Labour Relations Intern Vacancy Summary
The Labour Relations Intern vacancy offers a 24-month opportunity for a suitably qualified candidate to gain practical experience within a labour relations department in Pretoria.
The position involves a combination of administrative support, labour law research, case management, reporting, meeting coordination, member communication, and exposure to workplace dispute-resolution processes.
A Diploma in Labour Law, Labour Relations, or Industrial Relations is mandatory. Candidates should also have strong communication, administration, computer, reporting, interpersonal, and time-management skills.
Interested and suitably qualified candidates should prepare a recent CV together with the required certified documents and submit the application to [email protected] using the subject line “Application for Labour Relations Intern.”
Position: Labour Relations Intern
Location: Pretoria
Duration: 24 months
Remuneration: Stipend
Qualification: Diploma in Labour Law, Labour Relations, or Industrial Relations
Start: Immediately
Closing Date: 7 September 2026
Application Email: [email protected]
Email Subject: Application for Labour Relations Intern