The National Youth Development Agency invites unemployed South African youth to apply for the National Youth Service Programme Phase V 2026.
Programme Application Closing Date: Not specified
Programme Location: All 9 Provinces, South Africa
The National Youth Service Programme Phase V 2026 is now open, offering 100 000 paid community service opportunities for unemployed young people across South Africa.
Successful participants will take part in community-based service activities while gaining practical experience, workplace exposure and skills development. Participants will also receive a stipend of approximately R1 547 per month.
About National Youth Service Programme Phase V 2026
The National Youth Service Programme is a government-supported youth development initiative aimed at giving unemployed young people meaningful community service opportunities.
The programme helps young people gain practical experience while contributing to community development, service delivery and nation-building.
Phase V of the programme will provide opportunities across all nine provinces of South Africa.
Programme Details
Programme Name: National Youth Service Programme Phase V
Number of Opportunities: 100 000
Location: National – All 9 Provinces
Target Group: Unemployed South African Youth
Age Requirement: 18 to 35 years
Duration: 6 Months or 384 Hours
Hourly Rate: R24.18 per hour
Monthly Stipend: Approximately R1 547 per month
Application Platform: SA Youth
Application Cost: Free
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be a South African citizen.
Have a valid South African ID document.
Be between the ages of 18 and 35.
Be currently unemployed.
Live within the municipality or community where the programme site is located.
Be able to access the project location.
Be willing to contribute positively to the community.
Be committed to completing the programme successfully.
Must not have participated in previous phases of the National Youth Service Programme.
Priority Consideration
Preference may be given to:
Unemployed youth who are not in education, employment or training.
Youth classified as NEET.
Young people living with disabilities.
Young people living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
What Participants Will Do
Successful applicants will be placed in community service activities that respond to local community needs.
These activities may include sports and recreation, community works, revitalisation and greening projects, learner support programmes, early childhood development, food security, nutrition, arts, culture, entertainment, social support services, surveys, digital mapping and youth voter education.
Community Service Areas
Participants may be placed in the following areas:
Sports and recreation.
Community works, revitalisation and greening.
Learner support programmes.
Early childhood development.
Food security and nutrition.
Arts, culture and entertainment.
Social support services, solidarity and care.
Surveys and digital mapping.
Youth voter education.
Stipend and Benefits
Selected participants will receive approximately R1 547 per month.
The stipend is based on an hourly rate of R24.18 per hour and approximately 64 working hours per month.
In addition to the stipend, participants will gain practical work experience, community service experience, skills development, improved employability, networking opportunities and personal growth.
Duration of the Programme
The National Youth Service Programme Phase V will run for 6 months or a total of 384 programme hours.
Participants are expected to remain committed for the full duration of the programme and complete all assigned activities.
Why You Should Apply
This programme is a valuable opportunity for unemployed youth who want to gain experience, improve their CV and contribute to their communities.
It can also help young people prepare for future employment, internships, learnerships, further studies or entrepreneurship opportunities.
How to apply
Click here to apply for National Youth Service Programme Phase V 2026
Applications must be completed online through the SA Youth platform.
New users must register and create a SA Youth profile.
Existing users can log in using their current SA Youth details.
After logging in, applicants should search for National Youth Service opportunities available near their residential area.
Application Support
Applicants who need assistance can contact SA Youth support or visit the nearest NYDA centre for help with registration and applications.
The SA Youth platform is free to use and does not require data.
Closing Date
The closing date for the National Youth Service Programme Phase V 2026 was not specified in the information provided.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible while opportunities are still available.