If you’ve been waiting for a real opportunity to enter the world of public administration, policy development, human resources, finance, communications or development studies, then the Local Government SETA (LGSETA) Internship Programme 2025/2026 might be the breakthrough you need.
- Are you ready for these Internships? Take the Internship Readiness Quiz Here!
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- Create and Download your CV for these Graduate Internships here
- Create a Motivational Letter for these Graduate Internships here
- Practise Interview Questions and Answers for these Internships Here
- Check if these Graduate Internships Match your Career Choice
- View more 2026 Internships here
This is a 24-month, full-time, paid internship designed for unemployed South African graduates under 25, offering practical experience inside provincial LGSETA offices across the country — from Gauteng to Limpopo, KZN, Western Cape, Mpumalanga and more.
The stipend? R10 000 per month for 24 months.
The opportunity? Priceless.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | LGSETA Internship Programme 2025/2026 |
| Duration | 24 months (non-renewable) |
| Stipend | R10 000 per month |
| Requirements | Matric & Degree/Advanced Diploma in relevant field, SA citizen, under 25, never done internship before |
| Fields | Social Science, Public Policy, Development Studies, Finance, Accounting, HR, Communications |
| Provinces | All 9 provinces (various offices) |
| Closing Date | 05 December 2025 at 16:00 |
| Where to Apply | Email applications to 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) is responsible for developing skills within the local government sector — which includes municipalities and related public service bodies.
They provide:
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Skills programmes
- Capacity development projects
- Training funding across all provinces
LGSETA plays a massive role in shaping careers in public management, governance, policy, community development, and municipal service delivery. Their internship programme is one of South Africa’s most respected early-career development pathways.
Why This Internship Matters
Thousands of graduates struggle to get their first work experience, which is now a requirement for nearly every job. LGSETA solves that problem by giving young people:
- A 24-month work record
- Experience inside a recognised national institution
- A respectable stipend
- Exposure to policy development, research, municipal governance and administration
- A chance to network with professionals and build real references
This is more than just another internship — it’s a career launchpad.
Internship Opportunities per Province (2025/2026)
- Gauteng Provincial Office (X4 Interns)
Reference: GPO/01/2025
Fields: Social Science, Policy Development, Development Studies, Public Policy
Location: Bedfordview, Johannesburg
- North West Provincial Office (X1 Intern)
Reference: NWPO/01/2025
Location: Klerksdorp
Fields: Same as above
- Limpopo Provincial Office (X1 Intern)
Reference: LPO/01/2025
Location: Polokwane
Fields: Same as above
- Mpumalanga Provincial Office (X2 Interns)
Reference: MPO/01/2025
Location: Nelspruit (Mbombela)
Fields: Same as above
- KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office (X4 Interns)
Reference: KZN/01/2025
Location: Durban
Fields: Same as above
- Eastern Cape Provincial Office (X3 Interns)
Reference: ECPO/01/2025
Location: East London
Fields: Same as above
- Northern Cape Provincial Office (X2 Interns)
Reference: NCPO/01/2025
Location: Kimberley
Fields: Same as above
- Western Cape Provincial Office (X1 Intern)
Reference: WCPO/01/2025
Location: Cape Town
Fields: Same as above
- Free State Provincial Office (X1 Intern)
Reference: FSPO/01/2025
Location: Bloemfontein
Fields: Same as above
- Chief Financial Officer Division (X3 Interns)
Reference: FIN/01/2025
Location: Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Fields: Finance or Accounting
- Communications & Marketing (X2 Interns)
Reference: COMMS/01/2025
Location: Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Fields: Communications
- Human Resources Management (X1 Intern)
Reference: HR/01/2025
Location: Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Fields: HR Management
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, you must:
Education
- Matric certificate
- Completed a 3 or 4-year Degree or Advanced Diploma in the relevant field (e.g., Public Admin, Development Studies, HR, Accounting, etc.)
Age & Nationality
- South African citizen
- Under 25 years old
Work Experience
- No previous internship experience
- No prior work experience in your field of study
Skills
- Good communication skills (spoken & written)
- Computer literate (MS Office; MS Project is an added advantage)
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
Availability
- Must be able and willing to sign a 24-month internship contract
Important Note
Full-time employment AFTER the internship is not guaranteed, but your chances improve significantly with experience.
How to Apply
Prepare Your Documents
You MUST include:
Internship application letter
2-page CV (focus on competencies, skills, experience, achievements)
- Certified copy of SA ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified copy of Degree/Advanced Diploma
- Academic transcripts
- Any documents requested in the advert
- Email Your Application
Send all documents to: careers@lgseta.org.za
VERY IMPORTANT:
In the email subject line, type:
REFERENCE NUMBER – INTERNSHIP NAME – PROVINCE
Example: KZN/01/2025 – Internship – KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office
If you don’t specify the reference, your application will NOT be considered.
- Apply Only in Your Province
LGSETA clearly states:
“You must only apply for an internship in the province where you currently reside.”
Applying for the wrong province = automatic disqualification.
Late applications will NOT be accepted.
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
- 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
Edupstairs Advice (From Us to You)
Competition for government internships is extremely high — but here’s how to stand out:
Keep your CV to 2 pages
LGSETA specifically requests it.
Use a professional email address
firstname.lastname@gmail.com → simple & clean
Put your reference number EXACTLY as listed
This is one of the biggest reasons applications get rejected.
Apply early
Don’t wait for the last day.
Strengthen your motivation letter
Explain:
- Why you chose public service
- What you want to contribute
- How the internship connects to your long-term career path
Use Edupstairs tools to improve your application
These can help you submit a cleaner, more professional application.
Career Growth Path After This Internship
After completing the LGSETA internship, graduates often progress to:
Municipal Administration Roles
- Admin Assistant
- Policy Officer
- Office Administrator
Public Sector Policy & Research
- Research Assistant
- Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
- Policy Support Officer
HR, Finance, Communications
- HR Assistant
- Finance Intern / Junior Bookkeeper
- Communications/Marketing Assistant
Graduate Programmes
You become eligible for advanced programmes across all SETAs, municipalities and government departments.
Full-Time Employment
While not guaranteed, many interns secure permanent roles within:
- Municipalities
- Government departments
- NGOs
- Provincial LGSETA offices
- Public entities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is the LGSETA internship paid?
Yes — R10 000 per month for 24 months.
- Do I need experience to apply?
No, you must not have previous internship or work experience in your field.
- Can I apply for more than one province?
No. LGSETA clearly states you must apply only in your current province of residence.
- Can I be older than 25?
No. Applicants must be under 25.
- Is the contract renewable?
No. It is a non-renewable 24-month internship.
- Will I get a job afterward?
Employment is not guaranteed, though many interns do get opportunities.
- Can I apply without certified documents?
No. Certified copies are mandatory.
- What if my qualification is still pending?
Your qualification must be fully completed before you apply.
- How long does LGSETA take to respond?
Government internships usually take 6–12 weeks for shortlisting.
- Can I submit via hand delivery?
No. Applications are accepted only via email.
CLOSING DATE: 05 DECEMBER 2025 at 16:00
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 is not affiliated with LGSETA. We simply share opportunities to help young South Africans access training and employment pathways. Always verify details on the official LGSETA website. We do not accept applications on behalf of LGSETA.
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
