The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) is inviting unemployed South African graduates to apply for its 18-month Internship Programme 2026. This program offers practical experience across various municipal departments, with a monthly stipend of R10,109.86. Opportunities are available in key areas like Transport Systems Management, Governance and Compliance, Policy and Research, and Public Relations. Successful candidates must hold a relevant Diploma or Degree and are required to commit to full-time workplace and educational activities, adhering to Batho Pele Principles. Application deadlines vary by opportunity, with the earliest closing on November 12, 2025.
Table of Contents
City of Johannesburg Internships 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | South Africa |
| Study Abroad | Not Applicable (Domestic Internship) |
| Category | Graduate Internship | Public Sector | Municipal Operations |
| Eligible Countries | South African Graduates Only |
| Reward | R10,109.86 Monthly Stipend | 18 Months Non-Renewable |
| Key Criteria | Relevant Diploma or Degree | Unemployed Status |
| Application Deadline | November 12, 2025 (Earliest Date) |
City of Johannesburg Internships 2026 Details
The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Internship Programme 2026 is an 18-month development opportunity designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice in the public sector. Interns will be instrumental in supporting municipal operations and service delivery, guided by the foundational Batho Pele Principles.
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Tier 1: Strategic Planning and Technical Management Roles
These internships focus on high-impact policy development, infrastructure, and strategic planning within the municipality. They require specialized technical or analytical degrees to support long-term municipal goals.
- Internship: Transport Systems Management (Ref: 031/2025): Assists in transport planning, strategic development, and the evaluation of traffic impact studies. Requires a Diploma/Degree in Civil Engineering, Town and Regional Planning, or Transport Management.
- Internship: Integrated Planning, Policy and Research (Ref: 031/2025): Conducts research and data analysis to support policy development, strategic planning, and business reporting. Requires a Diploma/Degree in Public Management, Development Studies, or Political Studies. (Earliest Deadline: November 12, 2025)
Tier 2: Core Compliance and Operational Control Roles
These roles are vital for maintaining the integrity, quality, and legal adherence of municipal operations, focusing on internal controls and service quality assurance.
- Internship: Governance, Risk Management & Compliance (Ref: 032/2025): Supports monitoring of governance, risk, and compliance processes, assists with audit preparation, and contributes to ethical governance awareness. Requires a Diploma/Degree in Public Management or Business Administration focusing on Risk Management or Compliance.
- Internship: Quality Control (Ref: 031/2025): Monitors and records the daily operations of the Rea Vaya bus system, captures missed trips, and supports quality assurance for public transport. Requires a Diploma/Degree in Transportation Management, Logistics Management, or related Quality Compliance. (Deadline: November 18, 2025)
Tier 3: Essential Administrative and Communication Support Roles
These positions provide necessary support for executive functions and external communication, ensuring the department runs efficiently and communicates effectively with the public.
- Internship: Liaison & Public Relations (Ref: 032/2025): Supports internal and external communications, branding, stakeholder relations, newsletter production, and social media content creation. Requires a Diploma/Degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or Public Relations.
- Internship: Executive Director’s Office (Ref: 032/2025): Provides administrative and secretarial support to the Executive Director, coordinating meetings, filing, record management, and assisting with governance preparation. Requires a Diploma/Degree in Public Administration, Office Management, or Secretarial Studies.
Eligibility Requirements for City of Johannesburg Internship 2026
- Citizenship and Status: Must be an unemployed South African graduate.
- Academic Qualification: Must hold a relevant Diploma or Degree in the field specified for the chosen internship position.
- Commitment: Must be available for the full 18-month, non-renewable duration and sign both an Internship Agreement and an Employment Contract.
- Knowledge and Skills: Must possess strong Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and demonstrate excellent communication (verbal/written), analytical, and organizational skills.
- Governance Awareness: Must have an understanding of municipal governance frameworks (MSA, MFMA) and Batho Pele Principles.
How to Apply for City of Johannesburg Internship Opportunities 2026 (Step by Step)
- Select Your Opportunity: Review the available opportunities and deadlines, ensuring you meet the specific Diploma or Degree requirements for your chosen role.
- Prepare Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents are prepared, including your CV, certified academic records, and identification documents.
- Online Submission: Use the provided links to apply for the specific internship opportunity via the City of Johannesburg’s recruitment portal. Do not delay due to varying deadlines.
- Acknowledge and Monitor: Submit your application before the closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted; if you do not receive feedback within 4 weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.
Application Deadline (Varies by Position):
- Integrated Planning, Policy & Research: 12 November 2025
- Transport Systems Management & Quality Control: 18 November 2025
- Other Internships: 20 November 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the monthly stipend for the CoJ Internship Programme 2026?
Answer: The monthly stipend is R10,109.86. This is noted as the basic salary and does not include additional benefits.
2. What is the duration of the City of Johannesburg Internship Programme?
Answer: The internship program runs for a fixed term of 18 months and is non-renewable, meaning the contract cannot be extended beyond this period.
3. Who is eligible to apply for these internship opportunities?
Answer: The program is exclusively open to unemployed South African graduates who hold a Diploma or Degree relevant to the specific internship opportunity they are applying for.
4. Are there different application closing dates for the various internships?
Answer: Yes, the closing dates vary. The earliest deadline is November 12, 2025 for the Integrated Planning, Policy and Research role, and the latest is November 20, 2025 for other roles.
5. What is the significance of the Batho Pele Principles in these roles?
Answer: The Batho Pele Principles (“People First”) are the constitutional framework for public service delivery in South Africa. Interns are expected to uphold and contribute to these principles, which focus on service excellence.
6. Do I need a four-year degree, or is a Diploma sufficient?
Answer: The requirements specify a Diploma or Degree in the relevant field. You should review the specific requirements for the role you are interested in (e.g., Civil Engineering vs. Secretarial Studies).
7. What is the required level of computer literacy for the internship?
Answer: Candidates must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Experience with Power BI is listed as an advantageous skill.
8. What should I expect after submitting my application?
Answer: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back from the City of Johannesburg within four weeks of the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
9. What departments are offering internship positions?
Answer: The primary departments offering these opportunities are Community Development (Governance, PR, Executive Office, Planning) and Transport (Systems Management and Quality Control).
10. Can I apply if I have already had an internship with the City of Johannesburg?
Answer: While not explicitly forbidden, the program is generally intended for recent graduates to gain initial workplace experience. Since the 18-month duration is non-renewable, preference is typically given to unemployed candidates seeking their first professional opportunity.
