If you’ve been struggling to get that first real work experience in public administration, policy development, HR, finance, or development studies, the Local Government SETA (LGSETA) Internship Programme 2025/2026 could be your big break.
This is a 24-month, full-time paid internship for unemployed South African graduates under 25, based in LGSETA provincial offices across all 9 provinces.
📅 Closing Date: 05 December 2025 at 16:00
💰 Stipend: R10 000 per month (for 24 months)
📍 Provinces: All 9 provinces (provincial & national offices)
📧 Email Applications To: careers@lgseta.org.za
Quick Overview – LGSETA Internship Programme 2025/2026
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | LGSETA Internship Programme 2025/2026 |
| Duration | 24 months (non-renewable) |
| Stipend | R10 000 per month |
| Minimum Requirements | Matric + Degree/Advanced Diploma, SA citizen, under 25, no previous internship |
| Fields of Study | Social Science, Public Policy, Development Studies, Finance, Accounting, HR, Communications |
| Where | All 9 provinces – LGSETA provincial and national offices |
| Closing Date | 05 December 2025 at 16:00 |
| Application Email | careers@lgseta.org.za |
| Important | Apply only in the province where you currently reside |
About the Local Government SETA (LGSETA)
The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) develops skills in the local government sector – including municipalities and related public institutions.
Through its programmes, LGSETA funds and supports:
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Skills programmes
- Capacity-building projects and training
If you’re passionate about public service, governance, communities and municipalities, LGSETA is one of the strongest places to start your career.
Why the LGSETA Internship Programme Matters
Many graduates are stuck in the “no experience, no job” cycle. This internship breaks that barrier by offering:
- ✅ 24 months of real work experience
- ✅ A stipend of R10 000 per month
- ✅ Exposure to policy, research, governance, HR, finance and communication
- ✅ Experience in a national public institution
- ✅ A chance to build a professional network and references
Full-time employment after the internship is not guaranteed, but your CV becomes far more competitive in public sector and NGO roles.
Internship Opportunities per Province (2025/2026)
You must only apply for the province where you currently live.
1. Gauteng Provincial Office (X4 Interns)
- Reference: GPO/01/2025
- Location: Bedfordview, Johannesburg
- Fields: Social Science, Policy Development, Development Studies, Public Policy
2. North West Provincial Office (X1 Intern)
- Reference: NWPO/01/2025
- Location: Klerksdorp
- Fields: Same as above
3. Limpopo Provincial Office (X1 Intern)
- Reference: LPO/01/2025
- Location: Polokwane
- Fields: Same as above
4. Mpumalanga Provincial Office (X2 Interns)
- Reference: MPO/01/2025
- Location: Nelspruit (Mbombela)
- Fields: Same as above
5. KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office (X4 Interns)
- Reference: KZN/01/2025
- Location: Durban
- Fields: Same as above
6. Eastern Cape Provincial Office (X3 Interns)
- Reference: ECPO/01/2025
- Location: East London
- Fields: Same as above
7. Northern Cape Provincial Office (X2 Interns)
- Reference: NCPO/01/2025
- Location: Kimberley
- Fields: Same as above
8. Western Cape Provincial Office (X1 Intern)
- Reference: WCPO/01/2025
- Location: Cape Town
- Fields: Same as above
9. Free State Provincial Office (X1 Intern)
- Reference: FSPO/01/2025
- Location: Bloemfontein
- Fields: Same as above
10. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Division (X3 Interns)
- Reference: FIN/01/2025
- Location: Bedfordview, Johannesburg
- Fields: Finance / Accounting
11. Communications & Marketing (X2 Interns)
- Reference: COMMS/01/2025
- Location: Bedfordview, Johannesburg
- Fields: Communications / Media / Marketing
12. Human Resources Management (X1 Intern)
- Reference: HR/01/2025
- Location: Bedfordview, Johannesburg
- Fields: Human Resource Management
Minimum Requirements – Who Can Apply?
To be considered for the LGSETA Internship Programme 2025/2026, you must meet all the criteria below:
1. Education
- Matric / Grade 12
- A completed 3-year or 4-year Degree or Advanced Diploma in a relevant field, e.g.:
- Public Administration / Public Management
- Development Studies
- Social Science
- Public Policy
- Finance / Accounting
- Human Resource Management
- Communications / Marketing
2. Age & Nationality
- South African citizen
- Under 25 years old
3. Work Experience
- Unemployed
- No previous internship experience
- No prior work experience in your field of study
4. Skills & Competencies
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Computer literate (MS Office is essential; MS Project is an added advantage)
- Good organisation and time-management skills
- Willing and able to sign a 24-month internship contract
How to Apply for the LGSETA Internship Programme 2025/2026
Follow these steps carefully – small mistakes can get your application rejected.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
You must include:
- ✅ Internship application letter (brief motivation)
- ✅ 2-page CV (focus on skills, competencies, achievements – not long stories)
- ✅ Certified copy of your South African ID
- ✅ Certified copy of your Matric certificate
- ✅ Certified copy of your Degree or Advanced Diploma
- ✅ Official academic transcripts
- ✅ Any additional documents requested in the advert
(Make sure certifications are recent and clearly visible.)
Step 2: Email Your Application
📧 Send your full application to:
careers@lgseta.org.za
In the email subject line, type:
REFERENCE NUMBER – INTERNSHIP – PROVINCE
Examples:
KZN/01/2025 – Internship – KwaZulu-Natal Provincial OfficeLPO/01/2025 – Internship – Limpopo Provincial OfficeFIN/01/2025 – Internship – CFO Division
⚠️ If you don’t include the correct reference number and province in the subject line, your application will not be considered.
Step 3: Apply Only in Your Province
LGSETA clearly states:
“You must only apply for an internship in the province where you currently reside.”
- If you live in Limpopo, apply for the Limpopo office only.
- If you stay in KZN, apply for the KZN posts only.
Applying for another province = automatic disqualification.
Important Dates
- 🕓 Closing Date: 05 December 2025 at 16:00
- ⏰ Late applications will NOT be accepted
If you do not hear anything by a reasonable time after the closing date, you should assume that your application was not successful.
Tips to Strengthen Your LGSETA Internship Application
- ✔️ Keep your CV to 2 pages, clean and professional
- ✔️ Use a clear, simple email subject line with the correct reference
- ✔️ Check that all certified copies are clear and valid
- ✔️ Highlight relevant modules in your degree (e.g. Public Policy, Local Government, Research, etc.)
- ✔️ In your application letter, show:
- Why you want to work in local government / public sector
- How your studies connect to policy, communities, development or governance
- Your willingness to learn for 24 months
Final Thoughts
The LGSETA Internship Programme 2025/2026 is one of the strongest early-career opportunities for graduates who want to build a future in:
- Local government
- Public service
- Policy and development
- HR, finance, or communications
With a R10 000 monthly stipend, 24 months of experience, and exposure to real projects, this internship can change your career path completely – if you prepare and apply properly.