The Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL), a provincially owned business enterprise responsible for the management of Polokwane International Airport, invites applications from unemployed South African graduates to participate in its 12-month Internship Programme. The programme is designed to provide practical workplace exposure and professional development opportunities for young graduates seeking to build careers in aviation, information technology, communications, and related fields.
Applications are now invited from suitably qualified candidates to participate in the 12-month Internship Programme for the 2026/2027 financial year. The programme offers successful applicants valuable hands-on experience in a professional airport environment while receiving a monthly stipend.
Internship Programme Overview
- Reference Number: Internship/GAAL/001/2026/27
- Position: Internship Programme
- Location: Polokwane International Airport, Limpopo
- Duration: 12 Months
- Monthly Stipend: R7,000
- Closing Date: 30 June 2026 at 16:00
The internship programme has been designed to assist graduates in gaining practical experience aligned with their qualifications. Successful candidates will work alongside experienced professionals and gain exposure to operational processes within the aviation industry.
Preference will be given to applicants residing within Limpopo Province. The programme also supports employment equity objectives and encourages applications from designated groups, including persons living with disabilities.
Who Can Apply?
The internship programme is open to unemployed South African citizens who meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree or a three-year National Diploma at NQF Level 6 or Level 7 in the relevant field.
- Must be unemployed at the time of application.
- No previous work experience is required.
- Applicants who have previously completed an internship programme with GAAL or any other organisation will not be considered.
- Preference may be given to people living with disabilities, as well as White, Coloured and Indian candidates in accordance with the organisation’s Employment Equity Plan.
The programme offers an excellent opportunity for graduates to gain workplace skills, improve employability, and develop industry knowledge in a dynamic airport environment.
Available Internship Opportunities
GAAL is recruiting interns in the following fields:
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Internship
Field of Internship: Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Reference Number: ICT 01/26
Number of Intern: 1
Qualification:
A formal three-year Degree or Diploma in Information Technology or a related qualification (NQF Level 6).
Brief Role in the Department:
- System maintenance.
- Troubleshooting and technical support.
- Network management.
- Document management.
Public Relations Officer Internship
Field of Internship: Public Relations Officer
Reference Number: PRO 02/26
Number of Intern: 1
Qualification:
A formal three-year Degree or Diploma in Marketing Management, Public Relations, Media Studies, Journalism, or Communications (NQF Level 6).
Brief Role in the Department:
- Content creation.
- Content strategy development.
- Social media management and platform engagement.
- Building brand awareness.
- Engaging audiences across social media platforms.
Aviation Compliance Officer Internship
Field of Internship: Aviation Compliance Officer
Reference Number: AC 03/26
Number of Intern: 1
Qualification:
A formal three-year Degree or Diploma in Aviation Management or a related qualification.
Brief Role in the Department:
- Reviewing and preparing compliance audits.
- Monitoring changes in aviation laws and regulations.
- Ensuring operational compliance with aviation industry standards.
- Supporting regulatory compliance activities.
Key Responsibilities
The Aviation Compliance intern will support the department through:
- Reviewing compliance procedures and documentation.
- Assisting with the preparation of compliance audits.
- Monitoring changes in aviation legislation and regulations.
- Supporting compliance reporting activities.
- Ensuring operational practices align with aviation industry standards.
- Assisting in maintaining compliance with relevant regulatory bodies.
This internship provides a strong foundation for graduates interested in aviation regulation, safety compliance, risk management, and airport operations.
Benefits of Joining the Programme
The GAAL Internship Programme offers graduates an opportunity to:
- Gain practical workplace experience.
- Develop industry-specific skills.
- Learn from experienced professionals.
- Build a professional network within the aviation sector.
- Improve future employment prospects.
- Enhance understanding of airport operations and business processes.
- Strengthen workplace readiness and professional competencies.
Interns will be exposed to real-world projects and operational activities, helping bridge the gap between academic studies and professional employment.
Employment Equity Considerations
GAAL is an Employment Equity employer and appointments will be made in accordance with the organisation’s Employment Equity Plan.
The recruitment process aims to promote equitable representation and support transformation objectives. Applications from designated groups, including persons with disabilities, are encouraged.
Female candidates, particularly those from designated groups, are encouraged to apply where applicable.
Important Information for Applicants
Applicants should carefully note the following:
- Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements should submit applications.
- Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- Proof of SAQA evaluation must accompany applications where applicable.
- Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.
- Failure to comply with application requirements may result in disqualification.
- GAAL reserves the right not to make an appointment.
- Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.
- Successful candidates will be required to undergo verification processes.
Verification and Screening Process
Appointment to the internship programme is subject to successful completion of several verification processes, including:
- Qualification verification.
- Reference checks.
- Security clearance processes.
- Criminal record screening.
- Credit record checks where applicable.
- Verification of all supporting documentation submitted.
Any false information or fraudulent documentation may result in disqualification from the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- Cover letter.
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copies of qualifications.
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document.
- Certified copy of driver’s licence (where applicable).
Applications should clearly indicate the relevant internship reference number in the subject line.
Email Applications
Applications can be submitted via email to: HR.Admin@gaal.co.za
Postal Applications
The Senior Manager Human Resources
Gateway Airports Authority Limited
P.O. Box 1309
Polokwane
0700
Hand Delivery Applications
Registry Office
GAAL Old Terminal Building
Landros Mare Street/N1 North to Makhado
Gateway Weg
Polokwane
0699
Applications must be submitted on or before: 30 June 2026 at 16:00
Late applications may not be considered.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The GAAL Internship Programme represents an excellent opportunity for unemployed graduates to gain practical workplace experience at one of Limpopo’s key aviation facilities. Graduates with qualifications in Information Technology, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, Aviation Management, and related disciplines are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date.