
The South African Department of Employment & Labour
The Labour Department offers internship programs , graduate opportunities , and full-time career roles for individuals passionate about contributing to labor policy, public administration, social justice, and workforce development. These opportunities are ideal for students, graduates, and professionals seeking experience in fields such as labor relations, human resources, law, public administration, IT, finance, communications, and more .
Internships and careers at the Labour Department provide exposure to government operations, policy implementation, and community engagement. The organization emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Popular Internship and Career Roles at the Labour Department
As of 2025, applications are open, with a closing date of 2026, per extended deadlines. The department prioritizes diversity, encouraging applications from youth, women, people with disabilities, and designated groups (Black, Coloured, Indian candidates) under its Employment Equity Plan.
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Common internship roles suitable for minimal or no experience include:
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Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Intern: Assists in workplace inspections to ensure compliance with the OHS Act (Western Cape, Gauteng).
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Basic Conditions of Employment (BCEA) Intern: Supports enforcement of employment standards (all provinces).
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Labour Relations Intern: Aids in handling grievances and disciplinary processes.
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Administrative Support Intern: Provides clerical support, including document management.
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Employment Equity Intern: Assists with workplace equity compliance audits.
Salaries and Stipends for Labour Department Internships and Careers
Interns receive a fixed, tax-free stipend for the 24-month duration, reflecting the cost of living across South Africa. The stipend for 2025/2027 is:
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All Internship Roles: R7,450.62 per month (approx. R89,407.44 annually).
This stipend aligns with Public Service Vacancy Circular 05 and is consistent across roles and provinces, as reported on tholispane.co.za and sagovjobs.co.za. Benefits include mentorship, professional guidance, and exposure to public sector operations, but typically exclude health insurance or paid leave due to the temporary nature of internships.
Requirements for Labour Department Internships and Careers
The internship program targets unemployed graduates with relevant tertiary qualifications. General requirements include:
Education:
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OHS Intern: 3-year National Diploma (NQF 6) or Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7) in Environmental Health, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Construction Engineering, Occupational Health/Hygiene, Analytical Chemistry, Explosives Management, or Explosives Engineering.
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BCEA/Labour Relations Intern: 3-year National Diploma (NQF 6) or Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7) in Labour Relations, BCom Law, LLB, or Labour Law.
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Administrative Support Intern: 3-year National Diploma (NQF 6) or Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7) in Public Administration, Public Management, Office Management, or Business Management.
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Employment Equity Intern: 3-year National Diploma (NQF 6) or Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7) in Human Resource Management or Social Sciences.
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International qualifications require a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate.
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Experience: No prior work experience required. Applicants must not have participated in any previous internship program. Academic projects or volunteer work are advantageous.
How to Apply for Labour Department Internships and Careers
Application Process
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Visit Official Portals:
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Department Careers Portal: www.labour.gov.za (navigate to “Vacancies”) or ukzn.ci.hr for listings.
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