The Department of Correctional Services is urgently seeking unemployed South African graduates for a 24‑month Public Service Graduate Internship Programme. With a monthly stipend of R8 174.75 and a closing date of 09 July 2026 at 15:45, this could be the first step you need to start your career.
What the internship is
The programme is a two‑year paid internship that gives graduates practical workplace exposure in a range of fields related to their qualifications. Interns can be placed at the national Head Office, at two training colleges, or at regional offices across South Africa.
Who can apply
You must be a South African citizen who has completed a National Diploma or Degree in one of the listed fields. The internship is open only to unemployed graduates looking for their first full‑time role in the public sector.
What you will gain
- Hands‑on experience in a government department
- Professional development and mentorship
- Transferable skills in administration, technical work, or operations
- A monthly stipend of R8 174.75
- Potential pathway to permanent employment after 24 months
How to apply – step by step
- Download the Z83 application form from the official DCS website.
- Complete the form in full. Include a detailed, up‑to‑date CV.
- Identify the correct reference number for the post you want.
- Prepare a separate Z83 form and CV for each reference number you apply for.
- Submit your application:
- By email – place the reference number in the subject line and send to the appropriate regional address (see “Application details” below).
- Or hand‑deliver/post to the address listed for the relevant region.
- If you are shortlisted, bring certified copies of your qualifications on the interview day.
For the official online application portal, visit the Department of Correctional Services website.
Tips to improve your chances
- Read the qualification requirements carefully – only apply for fields you are fully qualified for.
- Double‑check the reference number and region before sending.
- Tailor your CV to highlight relevant coursework, projects or any volunteer work.
- Keep your contact details up to date; the department will reach you by phone or email.
- Prepare all certified documents now, even though they are only needed if you are shortlisted.
- Remember that each application must be submitted separately – do not combine multiple posts in one form.
Available fields and reference numbers
Head Office (Pretoria)
- Built Environment – HO 2026/06/01 – Degrees in Architectural Technology, Interior Design, Architecture, Civil or Structural Engineering
- Legal – HO 2026/06/02
- Finance – HO 2026/06/03 – National Diploma or Degree in Financial Accounting or Financial Management
- Psychology – HO 2026/06/04
- Social Work – HO 2026/06/05
- Information Technology – HO 2026/06/06 – National Diploma or Degree in IT
- Supply Chain Management – HO 2026/06/07 – National Diploma or Degree in SCM
- Theology – HO 2026/06/08 – National Diploma or Degree in Theological Studies
- Correctional Service Management – HO 2026/06/09 – National Diploma or Degree in Correctional Services Management, Correctional Sciences, Penology, Criminology or Security Management
Training Colleges
Kroonstad Training College
- Information Technology – KSC 2026/06/10
- Supply Chain Management – KSC 2026/06/11
- Theology – KSC 2026/06/12
Zonderwater Training College
- Information Technology – ZWC 2026/06/13
- Supply Chain Management – ZWC 2026/06/14
- Theology – ZWC 2026/06/15
Regional Opportunities
Gauteng Region
- Correctional Service Management – GP 2026/06/16
- Occupational Health and Safety – GP 2026/06/17
- Information Technology – GP 2026/06/18
- Supply Chain Management – GP 2026/06/19
- Agriculture – GP 2026/06/20
- Kitchen / Bakery – GP 2026/06/21
- Artisans – GP 2026/06/22
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West Region
- Correctional Service Management – LMN 2026/06/23
- Occupational Health and Safety – LMN 2026/06/24
- Information Technology – LMN 2026/06/25
- Supply Chain Management – LMN 2026/06/26
- Agriculture – LMN 2026/06/27
- Kitchen / Bakery – LMN 2026/06/28
- Artisans – LMN 2026/06/29
- Clothing and Textile – LMN 2026/06/30
Western Cape Region
- Correctional Service Management – WC 2026/06/31
- Occupational Health and Safety – WC 2026/06/32
- Information Technology – WC 2026/06/33
- Supply Chain Management – WC 2026/06/34
- Agriculture – WC 2026/06/35
- Kitchen / Bakery – WC 2026/06/36
- Artisans – WC 2026/06/37
Eastern Cape Region
- Correctional Service Management – EC 2026/06/38
- Occupational Health and Safety – EC 2026/06/39
- Information Technology – EC 2026/06/40
- Supply Chain Management – EC 2026/06/41
- Kitchen / Bakery – EC 2026/06/42
- Artisans – EC 2026/06/43
KwaZulu‑Natal Region
- Correctional Service Management – KZN 2026/06/44
- Occupational Health and Safety – KZN 2026/06/45
- Information Technology – KZN 2026/06/46
- Supply Chain Management – KZN 2026/06/47
- Kitchen / Bakery – KZN 2026/06/48
- Artisans – KZN 2026/06/49
Free State & Northern Cape Region
- Correctional Service Management – FS/NC 2026/06/50
- Occupational Health and Safety – FS/NC 2026/06/51
- Information Technology – FS/NC 2026/06/52
- Supply Chain Management – FS/NC 2026/06/53
- Kitchen / Bakery – FS/NC 2026/06/54
- Artisans – FS/NC 2026/06/55
Qualification requirements per field
- Correctional Service Management: National Diploma or Degree in Correctional Services Management, Correctional Sciences, Penology, Criminology or Security Management.
- Occupational Health and Safety: National Diploma or Degree in Safety Management or Environment.
- Information Technology: National Diploma or Degree in IT.
- Supply Chain Management: National Diploma or Degree in SCM.
- Agriculture: National Diploma or Degree in Animal Production, Plant Production or Horticulture.
- Kitchen / Bakery: National Diploma or Degree in Food and Consumer Science or Food Technology.
- Artisans: National Diploma, Degree or Trade Certificate in Plumbing, Electrical, Brick Laying, Welding, Motor Mechanic, Upholstery, Carpentry or Fitting.
- Clothing and Textile: National Diploma or Degree in Pattern Making or Clothing Design.
Application contact details
National Head Office
Email: HQHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: 124 WF Nkomo St, Poyntons Building, Corner WF Nkomo & Sophie De Bruyn St, Pretoria, 0001
Postal: Department of Correctional Services, Post Advertisement Section, Private Bag X136, Pretoria, 0001
Gauteng Region
Email: GPHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: 1077 Forum East Building, Arcadia St, Hatfield, Pretoria
Postal: The Regional Commissioner Gauteng, Recruitment Section, Private Bag X393, Pretoria, 0001
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West Region
Email: LMNHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Corner Johannes Ramokhoase & Paul Kruger St, 196 Masada Building, 9th Floor, Pretoria
Postal: The Regional Commissioner Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West, Recruitment Section, Private Bag X142, Pretoria, 0001
Western Cape Region
Email: WCHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Peninsula Drive, Monte Vista, 7460
Postal: The Regional Commissioner Western Cape, Recruitment Section, Private Bag X14, Goodwood, 7459
Eastern Cape Region
Email: ECHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Moore St, Block E Ocean Terrace, Quigney, East London, 5211
Postal: The Regional Commissioner Eastern Cape, Recruitment Section, Private Bag X9013, East London
KwaZulu‑Natal Region
Email: KZNHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: Correctional Services, Eugene Marais Rd, Napierville, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Postal: The Regional Commissioner KwaZulu‑Natal, Recruitment Section, Private Bag X9126, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Free State & Northern Cape Region
Email: FSNCHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand delivery: 103 Zastron St, Agrimed Building, Bloemfontein, 9300
Postal: The Regional Commissioner Free State & Northern Cape, Recruitment Section, Private Bag X20530, Bloemfontein, 9300
Enquiry contacts
- National Head Office – Ms Motsepe RS, Ms Mamosadi NM, Ms Boroko VM – Tel: 012 307 2176 / 012 307 2078 / 012 305 8188
- Gauteng – Ms S. Mkuzangwe, Ms E. Mahlakoane – Tel: 012 420 0146 / 012 420 0176
- Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West – Mr E. Nhlengethwa, Ms R. Ngobeni – Tel: 012 306 2112
- Western Cape – Mr B. De Kapoza, Ms N. Sigodi – Tel: 021 550 6078
- Eastern Cape – Ms V. Gadu, Mr S. Mdani – Tel: 043 706 7840
- KwaZulu‑Natal – Mr A. Msomi, Mr S. Nyide – Tel: 033 355 7300 / 033 355 7360
- Free State & Northern Cape – Mr R. Dortley, Ms Feder E – Tel: 051 404 0200 / 051 404 0288
Things to remember before you submit
- Submit before the deadline: 09 July 2026, 15:45.
- Use the Z83 form and attach a detailed CV.
- Enter the correct reference number on the form and in the email subject line.
- Send a separate application for each position.
- Only shortlisted candidates need to provide certified copies of qualifications.
- The department may conduct security clearance and verification checks.
- If you have not heard back within three months, consider the application unsuccessful.
Final thoughts and next steps
This internship provides unemployed graduates with 24 months of structured, paid experience in the public sector. Every successful intern receives a stipend of R8 174.75 per month. To maximise your chance, prepare your Z83 form, tailor your CV to the chosen field, and submit each application to the correct email or address before the 09 July 2026, 15:45 deadline.