National Youth Service Phase V 2026 100 000 Slots Deadline 1 Sep 2026

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South Africa’s youth unemployment is at record levels, and the window to gain work experience is closing fast. The National Youth Service (NYS) Programme Phase V is offering 100 000 community‑service placements to help you start earning and learning right now.

What the opportunity is

The NYS Phase V is a government‑backed programme that places unemployed young South Africans in community‑focused projects. You will work for six months (or 384 hours) and receive a stipend of about R1 547 per month – roughly R24.18 per hour.

Who can apply

South African citizen with a valid ID
Age 18 to 35 years
Unemployed and not currently studying (NEET)
Living in the municipality where the placement is offered
First‑time NYS participants (no previous NYS phase)
People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply

What you will gain

Practical work experience and a stronger CV
Skills in areas such as sports, greening, tutoring, early childhood development, nutrition, arts, social support, data collection, and voter education
Networking with community leaders and potential employers
Personal growth, confidence, and a sense of contribution

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

Visit the SA Youth portal: Go to the SA Youth registration platform. The site is free and data‑free.
Register or log in if you already have an account. The registration takes about four minutes.
Complete your profile: make sure your personal details, address and contact information are correct, and fill out the SA Youth CV completely.
Search for placements: after logging in, the portal will show opportunities near you. Use the search bar and type “National Youth Service” if nothing appears automatically.
Apply: click the opportunity that matches your location, follow the on‑screen instructions, and submit.

Tips to improve your chances

Double‑check that every field in your SA Youth profile is accurate.
Upload a clear, up‑to‑date CV and include any volunteer or informal work you have done.
Keep your mobile phone on; recruiters may contact you for an interview.
Apply as soon as the placement for your municipality opens – spots fill quickly.
Highlight any community involvement or skills that match the listed activity areas.

Next steps

The final deadline for any site is 1 September 2026, but each province may close earlier. Make sure your profile is ready now, then apply through the SA Youth portal as soon as you see a NYS placement near you. Even if you are still looking for a permanent job, this experience will give you real skills, references and confidence that can open doors to internships, learnerships or full‑time work.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an application fee? No, the process is completely free.
Do I need internet data to register? No, the SA Youth platform works without data usage.
What is the monthly stipend? Approximately R1 547 (R24.18 per hour for about 64 hours a month).
Can people with disabilities apply? Yes, they are encouraged to apply.
Can I re‑apply if I have already done a previous NYS phase? No, the programme is for first‑time participants only.
How long does the programme last? Six months or a total of 384 hours.
Are placements available in all provinces? Yes, across all nine provinces.