Young people in KwaZulu-Natal are hungry for real work experience, real opportunities, and real growth. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development (KZN DSD) is opening its doors once again — offering a 12-month paid Internship Programme for 2025/2026, designed specifically for unemployed graduates who want to build careers in government and community development.
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This is more than just an internship. It’s a structured pathway into the public sector, a chance to gain practical workplace skills, and an opportunity to grow professionally while earning a monthly stipend of R6 000.
If you’re a graduate living in KwaZulu-Natal and ready to step into your future, this opportunity is for you.
Quick Overview
| Programme | KZN Department of Social Development Internship Programme 2025/2026 |
| Contract Duration | 12 Months |
| Stipend | R6 000 per month |
| Location | Multiple offices across KwaZulu-Natal |
| Who Can Apply? | Unemployed graduates residing in KZN with a completed diploma or degree |
| Closing Date | 12 December 2025 |
| Application Form Required | Yes – Z83 form |
| Submission Methods | Hand delivery OR online via KZN eRecruit system |
| Eligible Fields | Community Development, HR, Psychology, IT, Public Management, Archives & Information Science |
About The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development is one of the most important government departments in the province. Its primary mission is to uplift vulnerable communities, protect children, support families, and create programs that promote youth development, poverty reduction, and social wellness.
The Department works closely with municipalities, NGOs, community organisations and district offices to deliver essential social services across the province. Internships at KZN DSD offer graduates hands-on experience in social service environments, administration, community engagement, and government operations.
A year inside this department is a powerful stepping-stone for anyone dreaming of a stable career in public service or community development sectors.
The Opportunity Explained
South Africa’s unemployment rate among youth remains one of the highest in the world. Many graduates complete their studies but struggle to secure their first job because employers require work experience.
The KZN Department of Social Development Internship Programme directly addresses this gap by:
- Giving young graduates real, practical experience
- Offering structured supervision and mentorship
- Preparing interns for long-term careers
- Opening doors into government and related professions
- Providing a R6 000 monthly income during the training period
This programme is specifically not for students — it is strictly for graduates who have finished their qualification and have never before participated in an internship with Social Development.
It prioritises inclusivity and fairness, especially for young people from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Available Internship Fields And Vacancies
Community Development
Qualification: Diploma/Degree in Community Development
Ref No: CD1/2025/26
Positions are available at:
- Head Office
- iLembe
- Ugu
- Harry Gwala
- Umgungundlovu
- Uthukela
- Amajuba
- Zululand
- King Cetshwayo
- uMkhanyakude
- uMngeni
- uMzinyathi
- uThukela
- uKhahlamba
Human Resource Management / Development
Qualification: HR Management or Human Resource Development
Ref No: HRM2/2025/26
Industrial Psychology / Employee Wellness
Qualification: Industrial Psychology / HR / Employee Wellness
Ref No: IP3/2025/26
Public Management / Public Administration
Qualification: Degree or Diploma in Public Management or Public Administration
Ref No: PM4/2025/26
Information Technology / ICT Management
Qualification: Information Technology, ICT Management
Ref No: IT5/2025/26
Bachelor of Arts in Archives, Records Management or Information Science (Auxiliary Services)
Qualification: BA Archives / Records Management / Information Science
Ref No: AS6/2025/26
Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be unemployed graduates
- Be permanent residents of KwaZulu-Natal
- Have a completed 3-year degree or national diploma
- Have never participated in any internship programme before
- Attach academic qualification and graduation confirmation
- Be willing to relocate to any district if placed
- Have basic computer literacy
- Be willing to undergo a selection process including a possible interview
How To Apply
STEP 1: Complete a Z83 form
This form can be downloaded here
STEP 2: Prepare all required documents
You must attach:
- Fully completed Z83 form
- Detailed CV
- Certified copies of ID, Matric, qualifications, and academic record
- Proof of residence
- Affidavit confirming you have never participated in an internship before
STEP 3: Submit your application
Option 1:
Hand deliver to:
Department of Social Development, Private Bag X 9144, Pietermaritzburg
Or deliver to:
14 Mayors Walk, Pietermaritzburg
Option 2:
Submit online at the KZN eRecruit System:
https://www.eservices.gov.za/ (Check Internship Programme)
Late applications will not be considered.
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice
If you want to stand out:
- Write a strong, honest CV (use Edupstairs Simple CV Builder)
- Tailor your CV to match the internship field
- Attach ALL required documents with proper certifications
- Apply early — don’t wait for the deadline
- Use correct reference numbers
- Keep your phone active for interview calls
This internship could be your gateway into the public service sector. Give your application the attention it deserves!
Career Growth After This Internship
Completing this internship opens several career doors:
- Social Worker Assistant (with additional training)
- Community Development Practitioner
- Human Resource Officer
- Administrator in government departments
- Employee Wellness Practitioner (with psychology background)
- ICT Technician / IT Support Assistant
- Records & Archives Officer
- Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant
- NGO Project Coordinator
- Youth Development Officer
Many interns go on to secure permanent jobs in:
- Municipalities
- Provincial government
- Non-profit organisations
- Community development agencies
- Corporate HR and wellness divisions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I apply if I have previously done an internship?
No. Only graduates who have never joined any internship programme may apply.
- Do I need experience?
No — this programme is designed specifically for graduates without experience.
- Do I have to live in KZN?
Yes. Only KwaZulu-Natal residents may apply.
- Can I apply with only a certificate?
No. You need a national diploma or degree.
- Will I be paid?
Yes, the stipend is R6 000 per month.
- How long is the internship?
It runs for 12 full months.
- Can I choose my placement location?
You can indicate preference, but placement depends on departmental needs.
- What if I don’t hear back?
If you are not contacted within two months after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
CLOSING DATE: 12 DECEMBER 2025
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
DISCLAIMER
Edupstairs does not recruit for this internship. We only share verified opportunities to help South African youth.
Do NOT pay anyone for job or internship applications.
Always verify the reference numbers and closing dates.
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