GRADUATE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME 2027/2029 (X3 POSTS)

The Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure in Limpopo is offering a Graduate Internship Programme for 2027/2029, with three posts available in the Mopani District. This is a structured 24-month workplace experience opportunity commencing in April 2027 and ending in March 2029, aimed at unemployed South African graduates who have never participated in a Public Service Graduate Internship programme in any government department. Interns will receive a monthly stipend in line with the Department of Public Service and Administration’s Directive on Employment of Persons on Developmental Programmes in the Public Service. The programme is situated within the roads maintenance section of the department, providing successful candidates with the chance to gain practical, on-the-job experience in the field of road infrastructure maintenance and engineering support.

To be considered, applicants must hold a National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering. They must be unemployed South African youth and must not have previously benefited from a government graduate internship. A valid driver’s licence is also required, as applicants are expected to submit a copy of their driver’s licence along with their application. The application process requires the completion of the prescribed Z83 application form, accompanied by a recent comprehensive CV. When applying through the provincial e-recruitment system, applicants must also attach copies of their qualifications, identity document and driver’s licence. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of their identity document, Grade 12 certificate and qualifications to Human Resources before the interview. Candidates with foreign qualifications are responsible for having these evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority.

The internship is designed to provide structured workplace exposure within the roads maintenance environment of the Mopani District. Interns will be placed in the district’s roads maintenance unit, where they will work under the guidance of experienced engineering and technical personnel. The programme is intended to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice, allowing graduates to apply their mechanical or civil engineering knowledge to the maintenance and preservation of road infrastructure. While the specific duties will be assigned according to the operational needs of the unit, interns will gain hands-on experience in the day-to-day activities of a public infrastructure department, including exposure to maintenance planning, project coordination, site inspections, and technical reporting. This developmental opportunity is aimed at producing well-rounded graduates who are better prepared for permanent employment in the engineering and public service sectors.

The department is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and women and people living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. All shortlisted candidates will be subjected to security clearance, verification of qualifications, and a personnel suitability check. In addition, shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise to determine technical and generic suitability, and one integrity or ethical conduct assessment. The department reserves the right not to make any appointment, and the final employment decision will be informed by the department’s Employment Equity Plan. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only; if no feedback is received within three months of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. The department will not cover any costs related to transport, accommodation or meals for candidates attending interviews. Applicants who are dissatisfied with the outcome may seek reasons in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.