South African graduates and unemployed youth can act now – the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has opened the NFVF PESP7 Assistant Archivist Programme, a chance to help digitise the country’s historic archives while gaining public‑sector experience.
What the opportunity is
The programme is part of the Seventh Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP7). It funds a large‑scale digitisation project for the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA) and the nine Provincial Archives. Successful candidates will work as Assistant Archivists, converting photographs, documents, films and recordings into digital formats for future generations.
Who can apply
- South African citizens
- Graduates or unemployed youth aged 35 or younger
- Holders of a relevant qualification (see minimum requirements below)
- People who have NOT taken part in a previous PESP project (previous participants are discouraged from applying)
Minimum qualification requirements
Most provinces require one of the following:
- Four‑year Diploma in Archival Studies
- Three‑year Degree in Archival Studies, Information Science, Records Management, Film Studies or Sound Engineering
Some provinces also accept:
- Archives and Records Management
- Heritage Studies
- Information Communication Technology (Northern Cape)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Archives and Records Management (Eastern Cape)
What you gain
Working on the digitisation project gives you:
- Hands‑on experience with modern archival and records‑management practices
- Skills in digitisation, cataloguing, oral‑history collection, preservation and digital archiving
- Exposure to the public sector and an understanding of how national heritage is protected
- A strong entry on your CV that is valued by future employers in the cultural, information and heritage sectors
Available Assistant Archivist posts
Positions are offered in every province and at the National Archives in Pretoria.
Western Cape
- Reference: WC.01
- Location: Cape Town
- Posts: 10
KwaZulu‑Natal
- Reference: KZN.01
- Locations: Ulundi, Durban, Pietermaritzburg
- Posts: 22
North West
- Reference: NW.01
- Location: Mahikeng
- Posts: 22
Limpopo
- Reference: LMP.01
- Locations: Polokwane, Makwarela, Giyani, Lebowakgomo
- Posts: 20
Mpumalanga
- Reference: MP.01
- Location: Mbombela
- Posts: 22
Eastern Cape
- Reference: EC.01
- Posts: 22
Gauteng
- Reference: GP.01
- Posts: 22
Northern Cape
- Reference: NC.01
- Locations (Kimberley districts): Frances Baard, JTG, ZFM, PKS, Namakwa
- Posts: 22
Free State
- Reference: FS.01
- Location: Bloemfontein
- Posts: 15
National Archives (Pretoria)
- Reference: NARSSA.01
- Posts: 23
If your province has several sites, indicate the exact location you prefer when you apply.
Typical duties
- Digitising archival records (photos, documents, audio, video)
- Arranging, describing and cataloguing collections
- Managing reading rooms and strong rooms
- Collecting oral histories and preserving sound recordings
- Supporting records‑management and appraisal processes
- Providing client service and capacity‑building support
How to apply – step by step
- Gather the required documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of a valid driver’s licence (Code 10 with PDP, if applicable)
- Certified copies of your qualifications and certificates
- Write an email to pesp7internship@nfvf.co.za. In the subject line, include the exact reference number of the post you are applying for (e.g., “WC.01 – Assistant Archivist”).
- Attach all certified documents and your CV to the email.
- If your province has more than one site, state clearly which site you prefer in the body of the email.
- Send the email before 03 August 2026 at 16:00. The programme opens for applications on 15 July 2026.
Recruitment process
- Citizenship verification
- Criminal record check
- Qualification verification
If you do not hear back within 30 days after the closing date, you have not been selected. The NFVF reserves the right not to fill all posts.
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your CV to highlight any archival, records‑management or digitisation work you have done.
- Include academic projects, internships or volunteer work that relate to archives, film, sound or information science.
- Make sure all certified copies are clear, legible and recent.
- Double‑check that the reference number in your email subject matches the post you want.
- Proofread your email for spelling and grammar – attention to detail is a key skill for archivists.
Conclusion
This programme offers a real pathway to gain valuable experience while helping to preserve South Africa’s documentary heritage. Mark the dates, prepare your documents early and submit a complete, well‑labelled application before the deadline. Taking these steps will give you the best possible chance of securing an Assistant Archivist position.
