The SAFCOL YES Programme Internship 2026 is a paid 12 month internship for young South Africans who have finished their studies and are still looking for work. This job is offered by the South African Forestry Company SOC Limited, also known as SAFCOL. The role is made to help unemployed graduates and artisans get real work experience inside a large state owned company. If you want a chance to work in an office, learn how things run in real life, and earn a monthly income while doing it, this internship is built for you.
SAFCOL is opening its doors to young people who want to move from classroom learning into a working environment. The YES Programme is not a permanent job, but it gives you one full year to learn on the job, grow your confidence, and build a work record that future employers look for. Many young people struggle to get hired because they have no experience. This programme is meant to fix that problem by giving you hands on exposure in your field of study.
### Internship Fields Available for 2026
The SAFCOL YES Programme Internship 2026 offers many roles across different departments and locations in South Africa. This means you can apply for a post that matches what you studied.
In Finance, there are several roles open. These include Debtors in Pretoria, Tax and Treasury in Mbombela, Creditors in Mbombela, and Group Reporting and Budgeting in Pretoria. These roles are suited for people who studied accounting, finance, or related courses.
Supply Chain Management roles are also available in Mbombela. These posts are open to graduates with diplomas or degrees in logistics, procurement, supply chain, or finance.
For those who studied human resources or people management, there are roles in Human Capital Operations in Mbombela and Learning and Development in Levubu, Limpopo.
If you studied IT, there is a Support Technician role based in Mbombela. This is a good fit for candidates with an IT diploma who want to work with systems and technical support.
There are also posts in Ecotourism in Sabie, Graphic Design in Pretoria, Internal Auditing, and even within the Office of the CEO in Mbombela. This wide range of roles allows many young people from different study areas to apply.
### Who Can Apply
To apply for the SAFCOL YES Programme Internship 2026, you must meet a few clear requirements.
You must have a National Diploma, a Degree, or a Trade Test Certificate from a recognised institution. Short courses are not enough for this programme.
You must be 35 years old or younger at the time of applying.
You must be unemployed. This programme is meant for people who are not working and need workplace exposure.
SAFCOL also follows an Employment Equity Plan. This means preference will be given to previously disadvantaged individuals, women, and persons living with disabilities.
### What You Will Get From the Programme
The internship runs for 12 months. During this time, you will work like a normal employee while still learning.
You will receive a monthly stipend of R5,000. This money helps cover basic costs while you gain work experience.
You will learn how to work in a professional setting, follow workplace rules, meet deadlines, and communicate with teams. These are skills that employers expect but are hard to learn without a real job.
By the end of the programme, you will have experience that can help you apply for jobs with more confidence.
### How to Apply for the SAFCOL YES Programme Internship 2026
Applying is simple, but you must follow the steps carefully.
First, prepare your documents. You need a detailed CV, certified copies of your qualifications, and a certified copy of your South African ID.
Next, choose the correct reference number for the position you want. Each role has its own reference code, such as DEDT-PTA for Finance roles in Pretoria. Using the wrong reference may cause your application to be ignored.
Send your application by email to the SAFCOL recruitment address. Make sure the reference number is clearly written in the email subject line. Applications without a reference number may not be considered.
All applications must be sent before 06 February 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
If you want to read the official internship advert with all the details straight from SAFCOL, you can use the link below.
Click here to view and download the official SAFCOL YES Programme Internship 2026 advert
If you are serious about starting your career and gaining real work experience, this internship is a strong place to start.
