Seven paid government internship places in Pretoria close on 30 October 2026, and each pays R8 174.75 every month for two full years. The Civilian Secretariat for Police Service has opened its 2026–2028 Internship Programme across five study fields, including Graphic Design for Internal Communication. If you are an unemployed graduate who has struggled to get workplace experience, this Civilian Secretariat for Police Service internship gives you a clear, dated chance to start your career in the Public Service.
What is this internship about?
The Civilian Secretariat for Police Service supports civilian oversight of policing from inside government. Its internship programme places graduates in real units, where they work under supervision while earning a monthly stipend.
- Department: Civilian Secretariat for Police Service
- Programme: 2026–2028 Internship Programme
- Places: Seven across five references
- Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
- Contract: 24 months, non-renewable
- Monthly stipend: R8 174.75
- Closing date: 30 October 2026
- Submit: A new Z83 form and a detailed CV
Each field has its own reference number and submission mailbox, so you must apply for the one that matches your qualification.
Which of the five fields fits your qualification?
- Forensic Investigation – Civilian Oversight Monitoring and Evaluation, reference CSP/22/2026, one place
- Graphic Design – Internal Communication, reference CSP/23/2026, one place
- Public Administration – Office of the Secretary, reference CSP/24/2026, two places
- Information Technology or Computer Science – Corporate Services, reference CSP/25/2026, two places
- Internal Auditing – Internal Audit, reference CSP/26/2026, one place
Check your subject against the unit name before you complete the Z83. For Internal Communication, your qualification must show Graphic Design. For Corporate Services, it must show IT or Computer Science.
Who can apply?
You qualify if you meet all of these rules:
- You are an unemployed South African graduate
- You have completed a relevant National Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree or Honours Degree
- Your qualification comes from an accredited higher-learning institution
- You have never taken part in a Public Service internship before
- Your subject matches the requirements of the post you choose
Many applicants stumble here. Use the qualification you have actually completed, not one you are still studying towards. Preference may be given to appointments that improve representativity in race, gender and disability, but your study field must still match the post.
What do you gain from the programme?
You get 24 months of paid, structured work experience inside a national government structure. That means a solid entry on your CV, exposure to how the Public Service works, and time to sharpen skills in your own field, whether that is design, auditing, IT, investigation or administration.
Be aware that the contract is non-renewable. Treat it as a launch pad. Use the two years to collect evidence of your work, build contacts and prepare for your next role.
How to apply step by step
- Read the official notice. Open the Police Secretariat internship notice and confirm your field and reference number.
- Complete the new Z83 form. Download the new Z83 form. Fill in every section, enter the position title and reference, initial where indicated, then sign and date the declaration.
- Prepare a detailed CV. Include your completed qualification, relevant projects, and any previous jobs with accurate dates and main duties.
- Email the correct mailbox. Use a clear subject line such as CSP/23/2026 – Internal Communication Internship. Note that Internal Audit uses [email protected], which differs from the Corporate Services mailbox, even though some posts share one enquiry contact in the notice.
- Check before you send. Confirm the reference number and make sure your attachments open and read clearly. Keep a copy or delivery receipt for your records.
Where to post, courier or hand-deliver
Postal address: Civilian Secretariat for Police Service, Private Bag X922, Pretoria, 0001.
Hand delivery or courier: Reception Desk, 2nd Floor, Fedsure Building, 258 Lilian Ngoyi Street, Pretoria.
Write the department’s full address and the correct reference on your pack. Late submissions will not be accepted, so plan your delivery time carefully.
Important: Do not send copies of qualifications or certificates at this stage. Only the Z83 and CV are needed now. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit certified documents when requested, on or before the interview day.
Tips to improve your chances
- Show real work, not just job titles. For the design route, describe an actual brief you handled, the layout or visual material you created, and your own part in any team project. Mention the tools and the design choices you made.
- Do the same for IT. Describe a system or technical task, your contribution, and the problem you worked through. Academic projects count when you are a new graduate.
- Confirm your subject if the title differs. If your qualification title is not an exact match, phone Mr M Mashifane on 012 493 1435 and ask before you apply.
- Keep your dates honest. Any previous employment must show accurate dates and clear responsibilities, because the notice asks for a detailed CV.
- Apply early. Waiting until the final week risks network problems or delivery delays that could cost you the chance.
What happens after you apply?
Be honest with yourself about the competition. Seven places will attract many applications, and no outcome is guaranteed. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates. If you have not been contacted within one month after the closing date, the department’s guidance is to regard your application as unsuccessful.
Do not let that discourage you. Every complete, correct application you submit builds the habit and record that eventually lead to a post.
Take your next step today
Match your completed qualification to the right reference, tailor your CV with real examples, and complete the new Z83 carefully. Then send the full pack to the correct mailbox or address well before 30 October 2026.
While you wait for feedback, keep comparing internships, learnerships and bursaries on SETA Careers so you always have another door open. Your qualification has value, and this programme is one structured way to put it to work.