South Africa continues to face one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. For many young people, finding a pathway into work experience, skills development, and community involvement can be challenging. The latest National Youth Service (NYS) Programme Phase V aims to help address this challenge by creating 100 000 opportunities for unemployed youth across all nine provinces.
Check if you Qualify for this Programme Before you Apply
The programme focuses on community-based service opportunities that allow young people to gain practical experience, contribute to their communities, and build valuable workplace skills. If you are between the ages of 18 and 35 and currently unemployed, this opportunity could help you gain experience while earning a monthly stipend.
Quick Overview
Programme Name: National Youth Service (NYS) 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 (No data required)
Priority Consideration:
- Unemployed youth not in education, employment or training (NEET)
- Young people living with disabilities
Understanding 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.
Unlike traditional jobs, the programme combines service delivery, skills development, community engagement, and personal growth. Participants are placed in projects that address local community needs while helping them gain practical experience that can strengthen their CVs.
The programme forms part of broader efforts to create pathways for young people who may struggle to enter the labour market due to limited work experience.
Participants will be involved in meaningful activities that support national development while building their own professional and personal capabilities.
What Participants Will Do
Successful applicants will be placed in community service activities that address important local needs.
Community service activities may include:
Sports and Recreation
Participants may assist with:
- Community sporting events
- Youth sports programmes
- Recreational activities
- Wellness initiatives
Community Works, Revitalisation and Greening
Activities may include:
- Environmental projects
- Public space improvements
- Community clean-up initiatives
- Beautification projects
Learner Support Programmes
Participants may assist with:
- Educational support
- Tutoring programmes
- School-based initiatives
- Learning assistance activities
Early Childhood Development
Opportunities may involve:
- Supporting ECD centres
- Assisting with child development activities
- Educational support programmes
Food Security and Nutrition
Projects may focus on:
- Community food gardens
- Nutrition awareness campaigns
- Food support initiatives
Arts, Culture and Entertainment
Participants may support:
- Cultural events
- Community arts projects
- Heritage programmes
Social Support Services, Solidarity and Care
Activities may include:
- Community outreach
- Social support initiatives
- Vulnerable group assistance programmes
Surveys and Digital Mapping
Participants may assist with:
- Data collection projects
- Community surveys
- Digital mapping activities
Youth Voter Education
Projects may involve:
- Civic education
- Youth participation initiatives
- Democratic engagement programmes
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the National Youth Service Programme Phase V, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Possess a valid South African ID document
Age Requirements
Applicants must: Be between 18 and 35 years old
Residential Requirements
Applicants should:
- Live within the municipality or community where the programme site is located
- Be able to access the project location reasonably easily
Employment Status
Preference will be given to:
- Unemployed youth
- Young people not currently studying
- Individuals not participating in employment programmes
- Youth classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training)
Additional Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be willing to contribute positively to their communities
- Be committed to completing the programme successfully
- Not have participated in previous phases of the National Youth Service Programme
Disability Inclusion
Young people living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Stipend and Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- R24.18 per hour
- Approximately 64 working hours per month
- Monthly stipend of around R1 547
In addition to the stipend, participants gain:
- Practical work experience
- Community service experience
- Skills development opportunities
- Enhanced CV and employability
- Networking opportunities
- Personal growth and confidence building
For many participants, the experience gained through NYS can become a stepping stone to future employment, internships, learnerships, or further education opportunities.
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 throughout the duration of the programme and complete all assigned activities.
How to Apply
Applications are processed through the SA Youth platform.
Step 1: Visit the SA Youth Platform
Go to the SA Youth registration platform.
The platform is free to use and does not require data.
Step 2: Register
Create your SA Youth profile.
The registration process takes approximately four minutes.
Step 3: Existing Users
If you have previously registered on SA Youth, simply log in using your existing details.
Step 4: Complete Your Profile
Ensure that your:
- Personal information is accurate
- Contact details are correct
- Address information is up to date
- SA Youth CV is fully completed
Step 5: Search for Opportunities
Once registered, opportunities closest to your location will appear.
Step 6: Apply
Follow the instructions provided on the opportunity card and submit your application.
If no opportunities appear immediately, use the search function to search for National Youth Service opportunities.
Edupstairs Advice
The National Youth Service Programme Phase V is one of the largest youth development initiatives currently available in South Africa. With 100 000 opportunities being made available nationally, eligible young people should apply as soon as possible.
Before applying:
- Ensure your SA Youth profile is fully completed.
- Upload all relevant information accurately.
- Double-check your contact details.
- Keep your cellphone available for communication.
- Apply as soon as opportunities become available in your area.
Even if you are still searching for long-term employment, programmes such as NYS provide valuable experience that can strengthen your future career prospects.
Many successful job seekers begin their journey through community service, internships, volunteer work, or youth development programmes similar to the National Youth Service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is there an application fee?
No. Registration and application through SA Youth are completely free.
- Do I need data to register?
No. The SA Youth platform is designed to be data-free.
- How much is the stipend?
Participants receive R24.18 per hour, which works out to approximately R1 547 per month.
- Can students apply?
Preference is given to unemployed youth who are not currently in education, employment, or training.
- Can people with disabilities apply?
Yes. People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- Can I apply if I participated in a previous NYS phase?
No. Applicants must not have participated in previous phases of the National Youth Service Programme.
- Is this a permanent job?
No. This is a temporary community service opportunity designed to provide experience and skills development.
- How long does the programme last?
The programme lasts six months or a total of 384 hours.
- Are opportunities available nationwide?
Yes. Opportunities are available across all nine provinces.
Closing Date:
Closing dates differ by site, with the final application deadline on 1 September 2026.
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs shares verified education, employment, training, and youth development opportunities for informational purposes only. We are not involved in the recruitment or selection process. Programme requirements, stipends, and conditions may change without notice. Applicants should verify all information through official programme channels before submitting applications.
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. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY