LGSETA 2025/26 Internship – Your First Step into Public Service
The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for its 2025/26 Internship Programme. The closing date for applications is 5 December 2025 at 16:00.
What Is This Internship?
LGSETA is a national body that trains people for jobs in local government – the cities, towns, and municipalities that keep our everyday life running. They run learning programs, skill courses, and projects that help young people build real work experience.
The 2025/26 Internship Programme is:
- 24 months long
- Full‑time and paid (R10 000 a month)
- Open only to unemployed South African graduates under 25
- Gives you hands‑on experience in places like Gauteng, Limpopo, KZN, the Western Cape, and more
This is a unique chance to earn a solid work record, earn money, and learn about policy making, finance, HR, communication and more.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | LGSETA Internship 2025/26 |
| Duration | 24 months (non‑renewable) |
| Stipend | R10 000 per month |
| Eligibility | Matric + Degree/Advanced Diploma in a related field, SA citizen, under 25, no previous internship or job in your field |
| Fields | Social Science, Public Policy, Development Studies, Finance, Accounting, HR, Communications |
| Provinces | All nine provinces (multiple offices) |
| Closing Date | 5 December 2025 at 16:00 |
| How to Apply | Email your application to careers@lgseta.org.za |
Important: Apply only in the province where you live now. Wrong province = automatic disqualification.
About LGSETA
LGSETA focuses on building skills inside local government. They offer:
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Training programs
- Capacity‑building projects
- Funding for skills development across every province
They aim to give young South Africans a solid start in public administration.
Why This Internship Is a Game‑Changer
- Full‑time, real work for 24 months – a strong résumé point that most employers ask for.
- Earn a respectable stipend while learning in a nationally recognised institution.
- Hands‑on exposure to policy making, research, and municipal management.
- Networking with experienced professionals, giving you real references for future jobs.
Think of it as a launchpad for your career.
Internship Spots by Province (2025/26)
| Province | Office | Reference | Location | Fields |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | X4 interns | GPO/01/2025 | Bedfordview, Johannesburg | Social Science, Policy Development, Development Studies, Public Policy |
| North West | X1 intern | NWPO/01/2025 | Klerksdorp | Same as above |
| Limpopo | X1 intern | LPO/01/2025 | Polokwane | Same as above |
| Mpumalanga | X2 interns | MPO/01/2025 | Nelspruit (Mbombela) | Same as above |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | X4 interns | KZN/01/2025 | Durban | Same as above |
| Eastern Cape | X3 interns | ECPO/01/2025 | East London | Same as above |
| Northern Cape | X2 interns | NCPO/01/2025 | Kimberley | Same as above |
| Western Cape | X1 intern | WCPO/01/2025 | Cape Town | Same as above |
| Free State | X1 intern | FSPO/01/2025 | Bloemfontein | Same as above |
| Finance Division | X3 interns | FIN/01/2025 | Bedfordview, Johannesburg | Finance or Accounting |
| Communications & Marketing | X2 interns | COMMS/01/2025 | Bedfordview, Johannesburg | Communications |
| Human Resources Management | X1 intern | HR/01/2025 | Bedfordview, Johannesburg | HR Management |
Minimum Requirements
Education
- Matric certificate
- 3–4 year degree or advanced diploma in a relevant subject (Public Administration, Development Studies, HR, Accounting, etc.)
Age & Citizenship
- Must be a South African citizen
- Under 25 years old
Experience
- No prior internships or job work in your field
Skills
- Good spoken and written communication
- Computer‑savvy (MS Office, MS Project helps)
- Strong organisation and time‑management
Availability
- Ready to sign a 24‑month internship contract
Note: The internship does not guarantee a job afterward, but it gives a huge advantage if you want to stay in public service.
How to Apply
Prepare Your Documents
- Internship application letter
- 2‑page CV – highlight skills, achievements, and relevant coursework
- Certified copy of SA ID, Matric, Degree/Advanced Diploma
- Academic transcripts
- Any extra documents asked in the ad
Send Your Application by Email
- Email all documents to careers@lgseta.org.za
- In the subject line write:
REFERENCE NUMBER – INTERNSHIP – PROVINCE
Example:KZN/01/2025 – Internship – KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office
*Missing the reference number means your file will not be read.
Apply Only in Your Current Province
- LGSETA says you must apply in the province where you live.
- Late applications are not accepted.
Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
- Keep your CV to 2 pages – this is what LGSETA asks for.
- Use a professional email address like
firstname.lastname@gmail.com. - Put the reference number exactly as shown in the job notice.
- Apply early – don’t wait for the last day.
- Strengthen your motivation letter – explain:
- Why you’re drawn to public service
- What you want to bring to the team
- How this internship fits your long‑term goals
You can also use free career‑building tools and templates to polish your documents.
What Happens After You Finish?
Many interns move into roles such as:
- Municipal Administration – Admin Assistant, Policy Officer, Office Administrator
- Public Sector Policy & Research – Research Assistant, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, Policy Support Officer
- HR, Finance, Communications – HR Assistant, Junior Bookkeeper, Communications/Marketing Assistant
You may qualify for graduate programmes in SETAs, municipalities, or government departments. Though not guaranteed, many interns land permanent positions in local government, national departments, NGOs, or other public bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the internship paid? | Yes – R10 000 a month for 24 months. |
| Do I need prior work experience? | No – you must not have any past internship or job in your field. |
| Can I apply to more than one province? | No – only the province where you live. |
| Can I be over 25? | No – applicants must be under 25. |
| Is the contract renewable? | No – the internship lasts 24 months and is not renewed. |
| Will I get a job after it? | Not guaranteed, but many interns find permanent roles. |
| Do I need certified documents? | Yes – all ID and academic documents must be certified copies. |
| Can I apply if my degree is still in progress? | No – you must have fully completed your qualification before applying. |
| How long does the selection process take? | Usually 6–12 weeks for shortlisting. |
| Can I submit a physical application? | No – only email submissions are accepted. |
Closing Date Reminder
Applications close on 5 December 2025 at 16:00. Make sure you send your full package before that deadline.
Final Note
The information above is based on the official LGSETA website. Always double‑check details directly with LGSETA before submitting your application. Good luck!
