The Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is proud to open its doors to ambitious and dynamic young graduates through its Internship Programme. This initiative is aimed at equipping unemployed graduates with practical work experience and skills that are essential for careers in the public service sector. If you’re a recent graduate residing in the Eastern Cape and passionate about governance, policy, or administrative functions, this opportunity could be your career launchpad.
STIPEND : R7 142.00 per month
What Is the COGTA Internship Programme?
The COGTA Internship Programme is a structured work experience programme designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional employment. It offers interns hands-on exposure in various functional areas within the department, such as:
| POSTS | QUALIFICATION | REFERENCE | CENTRE |
| Internal Audit Process | National Diploma/ B.Com Degree in Internal Auditing | COGTA 19/06/2025 | Bisho |
| Accounting/ Finance | National Diploma in Commerce/ Finance or relevant field of study. B.Com/B.Compt Accounting/ Finance or related commerce qualification. | COGTA: 20/06/2025 | Bisho |
| Developmental Local Governance/ Public Administration | National Diploma/ Degree in Public Administration/ Public Management.
| COGTA 21/06/2025 | Joe Gqabi District Support Centre |
| Anti-Corruption & Security Management
| Diploma in Forensic Investigation, Policing, Law, Paralegal, Audit Investigation, Security Management, Policing, Computer Science Information Systems or Information Technology. | COGTA 22/06/2025 | Bisho |
| Graphic Design/ Social Media Content Creator
| National Diploma/ Degree in Graphic Design or Communication | COGTA 23/06/2025 | Bisho |
| Budget & Planning | Diploma/ Degree in Financial Accounting/ Management Accounting/ Financial Information Systems or Auditing | COGTA:24/06/2025 | Bisho |
| Supply Chain Management/ Finance
| Diploma/ Degree in Supply Chain Management/ Finance-related qualification. | COGTA 25/06/2025 | Bisho |
| Internal Control Unit | Degree with Accounting as a major or National Diploma Internal Auditing/Accounting/ Cost & Management Accounting/ Finance as a major. | COGTA 26/06/2025 | Bisho |
| Asset Management | A recognized three (3) year diploma in Finance | COGTA 27/06/2025 | Bisho |
| Strategic Planning | National Diploma/ Degree in Public Management, Project Management, Office Administration or Business Management | COGTA 28/06/2025 | Bisho |
| Special Programmes Unit | National Diploma/ Degree in Public Management/ Office Administration/ Business Management/ Gender/ Youth or Development Studies | COGTA 29/06/2025 | Bisho |
| Monitoring & Evaluation | Undergraduate qualification in Public Management, Public Administration, or Development Studies | COGTA 30/06/2025 | Bisho |
| Fire & Rescue Services | Higher Certificate/ Diploma/ Advanced Diploma in Fire Technology | COGTA 31/06/2025 | Bisho |
| Rural Development Facilitation
| Degree in Development Studies or Community Development | COGTA 32/06/2025 | Bisho |
| IGR, Municipal Public Participation, Integrated Development Plan, Rapid Response & Stakeholder Management | Degree/ Diploma in Finance, Public Administration, Administration | COGTA 33/06/2025 | OR Tambo District Support Centre |
| Cadastral Survey & Geographical Information Systems | National Diploma in Surveying or Geomatics | COGTA 34/06/2025 | Bisho |
| Spatial Planning | Bachelor’s degree in Geomatics, Geography, Computer Science or Environmental Science | COGTA 35/06/2025 | OR Tambo District Support Centre |
| IGR: Sarah Baartman DSC | Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration | COGTA 36/06/2025 | Sarah Baartman District Support Centre |
| Municipal Administration | Degree/ Diploma in Local Government | COGTA 37/06/2025 | Bisho |
| Human Resource Utilisation & Development
| National Diploma or degree in Management of Training, Office Management or Human Resource Management | COGTA 38/06/2025 | Bisho |
By rotating through different roles or departments, interns gain a comprehensive understanding of how government operates at both the strategic and grassroots levels.
Benefits of the Programme
Interns accepted into the programme enjoy numerous benefits, including:
- Monthly Stipend: Interns receive a stipend in line with DPSA regulations, helping cover basic transport and living costs.
- Skills Development: Interns gain valuable soft and technical skills through mentorship and on-the-job training.
- Networking Opportunities: The programme provides access to experienced professionals and a network of peers in the public sector.
- Career Advancement: While placement is not guaranteed, many interns successfully move on to secure permanent roles within the public service or related sectors.
DOWNLOAD THE EASTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF COGTA VACANCIES ADVERT HERE
APPLICATIONS :
Must be submitted only via the provincial e-Recruitment system available at: https://erecruitment.ecotp.gov.za/ (to view the vacancies without logging-in click on: Jobs). The e-Recruitment System is available 24/7 and closes at 23:59 on the Closing Date. Report any e-recruitment challenges, activation of profile, password resets, etc. by sending an email with your ID Number, profile email address, details of the challenge to: recruitment@eccogta.gov.za.
Why This Matters
South Africa faces a pressing challenge of youth unemployment, especially among graduates. Internship programmes like that of Eastern Cape COGTA are not just about gaining experience — they are about empowerment, exposure, and long-term employability. They play a vital role in ensuring that capable young South Africans are absorbed into roles that shape the future of the country.
If you’re a graduate ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute to building effective local governance and traditional affairs structures, don’t let this opportunity pass you by.
ENQUIRIES :
Mr. MW Cwele at Tel No: 071 689 6162
e-Recruitment Technical Enquiries: recruitment@eccogta.gov.za
CLOSING DATE : 11 July 2025. No late/ Faxed/ Posted, Hand-delivered, and e-Mailed applications will be accepted.
NOTE : The e-Recruitment System automatically generates Z83 immediately when you apply.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE

