South Africa’s youth unemployment is at a critical level, and the National Youth Service (NYS) Programme Phase V is offering a timely way for you to get work experience while helping your community. The deadline is fast approaching – you only have until 30 August 2026 to apply.
What is the National Youth Service (NYS) Programme Phase V?
The NYS Programme is a government‑backed initiative that creates community‑based service placements for young people. It combines practical work, skills development, and civic engagement. In Phase V the government aims to create 100 000 opportunities across all nine provinces.
Quick overview
- Programme name: National Youth Service (NYS) Programme Phase V
- Opportunities: 100 000
- Location: Nationwide – all 9 provinces
- Target group: Unemployed South African youth
- Age range: 18 ‑ 35 years
- Duration: 6 months or 384 hours
- Monthly stipend: approx R1 547 (R24.18 per hour)
- Application platform: SA Youth (free, no data needed)
- Closing date: 30 August 2026
Priority consideration
- NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) youth
- Young people living with disabilities
Who can apply?
To be eligible you must meet all of the following:
- Citizenship: South African citizen with a valid ID
- Age: 18‑35 years old
- Residence: Live in the municipality or community where the placement is located and be able to travel there reasonably
- Employment status: Unemployed and not currently studying, training, or in another employment programme (NEET)
- Other: Willing to contribute positively to your community, committed to completing the full 6‑month period, and have **not** taken part in any previous NYS phase
- Disability inclusion: Applicants with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
What you will do and what you will gain
Placements focus on real community needs. Typical activities include:
- Sports and recreation events
- Community works, revitalisation, and greening projects
- Learner support and tutoring programmes
- Early Childhood Development support
- Food security and nutrition initiatives
- Arts, culture, and entertainment projects
- Social support services and outreach
- Surveys and digital mapping
- Youth voter education and civic engagement
In return you receive a stipend of R24.18 per hour (about R1 547 per month**) and the following benefits:
- Practical work experience for your résumé
- Skills development (communication, teamwork, project management, etc.)
- Networking with community organisations and potential employers
- Personal growth and confidence building
- A stepping‑stone to future internships, learnerships, or full‑time jobs
How to apply – step by step
- Create a SA Youth profile: Go to the SA Youth portal and register. The registration is free and does not require mobile data.
- Complete your profile: Upload your ID number, contact details, and any relevant qualifications. Make sure all information is accurate.
- Search for NYS Phase V positions: Use the portal’s search function, filter by your province, and look for “National Youth Service – Phase V”.
- Submit your application: Click the “Apply” button for the desired placement and confirm submission. Keep your phone turned on for any follow‑up messages.
The official application link for the first listed placement is https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2104353. All other positions are accessed through the same SA Youth search process.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that every required field in your SA Youth profile is filled out.
- Use a clear, professional photo and keep your contact number current.
- Tailor your short motivation statement to show how you will benefit the community.
- Apply early – spots fill up quickly in each municipality.
- If you have a disability, mention any reasonable accommodations you may need.
Next steps
Take a few minutes today to create or update your SA Youth profile. Once it’s complete, search for “National Youth Service – Phase V” in your province and submit your application before the 30 August deadline. Even if you don’t secure a placement immediately, the experience you gain will strengthen future job or learnership applications.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there an application fee? No – registration and application are completely free.
- Do I need data to register? No – the SA Youth platform works without data usage.
- Can people with disabilities apply? Yes, they are specifically encouraged to apply.
- Can I apply if I have taken part in a previous NYS phase? No – each applicant may only participate in one phase.
- How long does the programme last? Six months or 384 hours in total.
- Are placements available nationwide? Yes, across all nine provinces. Closing dates vary by site, with the final deadline on 30 August 2026.
Disclaimer
SETA SA shares verified education, employment, training, and youth development opportunities for informational purposes only. We are not involved in the recruitment or selection process. Programme requirements, stipends, and conditions may change without notice. Applicants should verify all information through official programme channels before submitting applications.
