The Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) has opened applications for the 2026/2027 – 2027/2028 Internship Programme. This 24-month internship provides unemployed graduates in the Eastern Cape with an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience, practical skills, and professional knowledge within the South African Public Service.
The programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and employment by exposing graduates to real working environments. Successful candidates will receive structured training, mentoring, and practical experience in their respective fields while earning a monthly stipend throughout the internship period.
Individuals who have completed a three-year National Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Honours Degree, or Master’s Degree from an accredited tertiary institution are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Internship Overview
- Programme: Internship Programme 2026/2027 – 2027/2028
- Duration: 24 Months
- Location: Head Office, Eastern Cape
- Monthly Stipend: R8,174.75
- Closing Date: 10 July 2026
The internship programme aims to equip graduates with practical workplace experience that enhances employability and prepares them to compete effectively in both the public and private sectors.
Available Internship Opportunities
Applications are invited for the following internship positions:
1. Communications Internship
Reference Number: DEDEAT/2026/06/60
Directorate: Communications
This internship is suitable for graduates interested in digital communication, journalism, media production, content development, social media management, creative writing, digital marketing, and multimedia production.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess one of the following qualifications:
- National Diploma in Communication
- Degree in Communication
- Honours Degree in Communication
- Master’s Degree in Communication
- Journalism qualification with a focus on digital communication
- Qualification in Creative Writing
- Social Media qualification
- Content Creation qualification
- Film Production qualification
- Television Production qualification
- Still Photography Production qualification
- Digital Marketing qualification
Successful interns will gain practical exposure in communication strategies, media relations, digital platforms, content development, branding, public awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagement.
2. Employee Health and Wellness Internship
Reference Number: DEDEAT/2026/06/61
Directorate: Employee Health and Wellness
Graduates interested in employee wellness and social support services are encouraged to apply.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- BA Degree in Social Work
- Valid registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)
The internship offers practical experience in employee wellness programmes, counselling support, workplace interventions, social support services, and professional case management.
3. Legal Services Internship
Reference Number: DEDEAT/2026/06/62
Directorate: Legal Services
This opportunity is aimed at graduates seeking practical legal experience within government.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- National Diploma in a relevant legal qualification
- Degree, Honours or Master’s qualification in Law
Interns will gain experience in legal research, contract administration, legislative compliance, policy interpretation, litigation support, and legal advisory services.
4. Risk Management Internship
Reference Number: DEDEAT/2026/06/63
Directorate: Risk Management
Graduates with an interest in governance, compliance, auditing, and organisational risk management are encouraged to apply.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- NQF Level 6 qualification in Risk Management
- Auditing qualification
- Equivalent qualification
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Law qualification
Successful interns will receive practical training in enterprise risk management, internal control systems, compliance monitoring, governance processes, and organisational risk assessments.
Monthly Stipend
Successful candidates appointed to the internship programme will receive a monthly stipend of: R8,174.75 per month
The stipend is intended to assist interns with basic living and transport expenses while participating in the programme.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are invited from unemployed graduates who meet the following requirements:
- Must be an unemployed South African citizen residing in the Eastern Cape Province.
- Must possess a recognised three-year National Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Honours Degree, or Master’s Degree from an accredited tertiary institution.
- Must not have previously participated in any Government Internship Programme.
- Must be willing to participate in a full-time 24-month internship.
- Must be available to provide proof of residence not older than three months before the interview date.
- Must satisfy all requirements for the advertised internship.
Applicants who have already completed a government internship programme will not be considered. If this information is discovered during verification, the application will automatically be disqualified.
Employment Equity
DEDEAT is committed to promoting employment equity and affirmative action in accordance with government policy.
Applications are particularly encouraged from:
- Persons with disabilities
- Women
- Previously disadvantaged groups
Preference may be given to designated groups in line with departmental Employment Equity targets.
Required Application Documents
Applicants are required to complete the online application through the Provincial e-Recruitment System.
The following documents are required during the recruitment process:
- Completed online Z83 Application Form
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Certified copies of qualifications, identity document, and supporting documents should not be submitted during the initial application stage. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies before the interview.
Applicants using the online system should note that the electronically generated Z83 form does not require a signature during submission. Shortlisted candidates will be requested to sign the form on or before the interview date.
Failure to provide all requested certified documents before the interview may result in disqualification.
Selection Process
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Successful applicants will undergo several verification processes before appointment, including:
- Criminal record verification
- Citizenship verification
- Qualification verification
- Previous employment verification
- Financial and asset record verification
- Personnel suitability assessment
- Practical competency assessment
- Integrity assessment
Appointments will be made subject to satisfactory verification results.
Internship Benefits
The internship programme provides graduates with valuable workplace experience that can significantly improve future employment opportunities.
Benefits include:
- Practical work experience
- Professional mentorship
- Skills development
- Exposure to government operations
- Public sector experience
- Professional networking opportunities
- Career development
- Monthly financial stipend
The programme is specifically designed to prepare graduates for future employment in both the public and private sectors.
Important Information
Applications submitted by email, fax, post, or hand delivery will not be accepted.
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official Provincial e-Recruitment System before the closing date.
Late applications will not be considered.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within six months after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
Any false information or misrepresentation contained in an application may result in immediate disqualification or disciplinary action if discovered after appointment.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Eastern Cape Provincial e-Recruitment System before the closing date.
Applicants should visit the official e-Recruitment portal at https://erecruitment.ecotp.gov.za to register or log in, complete their online profile, generate the electronic Z83 form, and submit their application before the closing date.
Complete the online application, generate the electronic Z83 form, upload the required information, and submit the application before 23:59 on 10 July 2026.
Applicants experiencing technical problems with the e-Recruitment System may contact the recruitment support team during official working hours using the details provided by the department. Technical support is available only for issues relating to the online application system and not for submitting applications.
Closing Date
The closing date for all DEDEAT Internship Programme applications is: 10 July 2026
Applications submitted after the closing date and time will not be accepted. Interested graduates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical difficulties.