The National Youth Service (NYS) invites South African unemployed youth to apply for the NYS Programme Phase V 2026.
Programme Application Closing Date: Not specified
Programme Location: All 9 Provinces, South Africa
National Youth Service (NYS) Opportunities Phase V 2026
The National Youth Service (NYS) Programme Phase V is now open and offers 100 000 opportunities for unemployed young people across South Africa.
This programme is aimed at giving youth practical community service experience, skills development opportunities and a chance to contribute positively to their communities.
If you are unemployed, between the ages of 18 and 35, and looking for an opportunity to gain experience while earning a stipend, the NYS Phase V Programme may be suitable for you.
Quick Overview
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
Monthly Stipend: Approximately R1 547 per month
Hourly Rate: R24.18 per hour
Application Platform: SA Youth
Application Cost: Free
About the National Youth Service Programme
The National Youth Service Programme is a government-supported initiative designed to empower young South Africans through structured community service opportunities.
The programme is not only about earning a stipend. It also helps young people gain work experience, build confidence, improve their CVs and develop skills that may help them access future employment, learnerships, internships or further studies.
Participants are placed in community-based projects that respond to local needs while giving them practical workplace exposure.
What Participants Will Do
Successful applicants will participate in community service activities across different sectors.
Sports and Recreation
Participants may assist with community sporting events, youth sports programmes, recreational activities and wellness initiatives.
Community Works, Revitalisation and Greening
Participants may support environmental projects, public space improvements, community clean-up campaigns and beautification projects.
Learner Support Programmes
Participants may assist with educational support, tutoring programmes, school-based initiatives and learning assistance activities.
Early Childhood Development
Participants may support ECD centres, assist with child development activities and participate in educational support programmes.
Food Security and Nutrition
Participants may be involved in community food gardens, nutrition awareness campaigns and food support initiatives.
Arts, Culture and Entertainment
Participants may support cultural events, community arts projects and heritage programmes.
Social Support Services, Solidarity and Care
Participants may assist with community outreach, social support initiatives and programmes supporting vulnerable groups.
Surveys and Digital Mapping
Participants may help with data collection projects, community surveys and digital mapping activities.
Youth Voter Education
Participants may support civic education, youth participation initiatives and democratic engagement programmes.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be South African citizens with a valid South African ID document.
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35.
Applicants should live within the municipality or community where the programme site is located.
Applicants must be unemployed and willing to participate in community service activities.
Preference will be given to young people who are not in education, employment or training, also known as NEET youth.
Young people living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must be willing to contribute positively to their communities.
Applicants must be committed to completing the full programme.
Applicants must not have participated in previous phases of the National Youth Service Programme.
Stipend and Benefits
Selected participants will receive an hourly rate of R24.18 per hour.
Participants are expected to work approximately 64 hours per month, which equals a monthly stipend of about R1 547.
In addition to the stipend, participants will gain practical work experience, community service exposure, skills development, networking opportunities and improved employability.
Duration of the Programme
The National Youth Service Programme Phase V will run for six 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 tasks.
How to apply
Click here to apply for National Youth Service (NYS) Opportunities Phase V 2026.
Applications are submitted through the SA Youth platform.
Application Steps
Visit the SA Youth platform and register your profile.
If you already have an SA Youth account, log in using your existing details.
Make sure your personal information, contact details and address are correct.
Complete your SA Youth CV and search for National Youth Service opportunities near your location.
Once you find a suitable opportunity, follow the instructions on the opportunity card and submit your application.
Important Notes
The SA Youth platform is free to use and does not require data.
Applicants should make sure their profile is fully completed before applying.
If no opportunities appear immediately, use the search function and search for National Youth Service opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The National Youth Service Programme Phase V 2026 is one of the biggest youth opportunities currently available in South Africa, with 100 000 posts open across all nine provinces.
Unemployed youth aged 18 to 35 are encouraged to apply through SA Youth and take advantage of this opportunity to gain experience, serve their communities and build a stronger future.