Great news for South African job seekers. If you missed the initial deadline for the Inspector Internship Programme under #Project20000, the Department of Employment and Labour has extended the application deadline to 14 March 2025. This is a golden opportunity to secure a government internship and kickstart your career.
What is #Project20000?
#Project20000 is a mass recruitment drive by the Department of Employment and Labour, aimed at creating 20,000 job opportunities for unemployed youth in South Africa. This initiative focuses on providing internship opportunities, particularly for Labour Inspectors, to strengthen workplace compliance and fair labour practices.
Internship Positions by Category and Province
The positions are spread across four key labour law enforcement categories. Each category plays a crucial role in ensuring workplace compliance, fair employment practices, and worker rights enforcement.
1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) – 3,812 Posts
Interns in this category will be responsible for conducting workplace inspections to ensure safe working environments and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations.
| Province/Location | Available Positions |
|---|---|
| Head Office (Pretoria) | 17 |
| Eastern Cape (East London) | 720 |
| Free State (Bloemfontein) | 148 |
| Gauteng (Braamfontein) | 438 |
| KwaZulu-Natal (Durban) | 1,008 |
| Limpopo (Polokwane) | 240 |
| Mpumalanga (Witbank) | 300 |
| Northern Cape (Kimberley) | 115 |
| North West (Mmabatho) | 242 |
| Western Cape (Cape Town) | 584 |
2. Basic Conditions of Employment (BCEA) – 3,727 Posts
Interns in this category will help enforce the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), ensuring that employers comply with fair labour practices such as working hours, leave entitlements, and wages.
| Province/Location | Available Positions |
|---|---|
| Eastern Cape (East London) | 800 |
| Free State (Bloemfontein) | 305 |
| Gauteng (Braamfontein) | 647 |
| KwaZulu-Natal (Durban) | 625 |
| Limpopo (Polokwane) | 240 |
| Mpumalanga (Witbank) | 260 |
| Northern Cape (Kimberley) | 187 |
| North West (Mmabatho) | 200 |
| Western Cape (Cape Town) | 463 |
3. Employment Equity (EEA) – 3,513 Posts
Interns will focus on Employment Equity Act (EEA) compliance, ensuring fair and non-discriminatory hiring practices in South African workplaces.
| Province/Location | Available Positions |
|---|---|
| Head Office (Pretoria) | 20 |
| Eastern Cape (East London) | 60 |
| Free State (Bloemfontein) | 253 |
| Gauteng (Braamfontein) | 2,000 |
| KwaZulu-Natal (Durban) | 218 |
| Limpopo (Polokwane) | 150 |
| Mpumalanga (Witbank) | 30 |
| Northern Cape (Kimberley) | 127 |
| North West (Mmabatho) | 91 |
| Western Cape (Cape Town) | 120 |
4. Employer Audit Services (EAS) – 1,948 Posts
Interns will assist in auditing employers to ensure they comply with South Africa’s labour laws and workers’ rights.
| Province/Location | Available Positions |
|---|---|
| Head Office (Pretoria) | 9 |
| Eastern Cape (East London) | 170 |
| Free State (Bloemfontein) | 162 |
| Gauteng (Braamfontein) | 437 |
| KwaZulu-Natal (Durban) | 299 |
| Limpopo (Polokwane) | 150 |
| Mpumalanga (Witbank) | 60 |
| Northern Cape (Kimberley) | 81 |
| North West (Mmabatho) | 197 |
| Western Cape (Cape Town) | 583 |
Why Should You Apply?
If you’re an unemployed graduate looking to gain valuable workplace experience and secure a position in the public sector, this internship programme is for you. It offers:
- A stepping stone into government employment
- Hands-on training and work experience in labour inspection
- An opportunity to contribute to labour law enforcement
- A stipend for the duration of the internship
Who Can Apply for the Inspector Internship Programme?
The programme is designed for unemployed youth who meet the minimum requirements as per the official job advertisement. Candidates should:
- Have a relevant qualification (as specified in the job advert)
- Be willing to work in various locations
- Be eager to learn and work in labour inspection
How to Apply?
Option 1: Online Application
- Visit www.dpsa.gov.za
- Download the Public Service Vacancy Circular 5 of 2025
- Follow the instructions on how to submit your application
Option 2: Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA)
- Visit www.essa.labour.gov.za
- Register your profile and browse available opportunities
- Apply for the internship position that matches your qualifications
Option 3: Physical or Email Submission
- Post or hand-deliver your application to the nearest provincial labour office
- Email your application to the address listed in the advert
Deadline Alert
- The new deadline for applications is 14 March 2025
- If submitting by hand, the cut-off time is 16:00
- If applying by email, submit before midnight
Submit your application before the deadline to secure your chance.
Final Thoughts
This extension is a second chance for thousands of young job seekers who missed the initial deadline. If you’re passionate about labour law, workplace safety, and fair employment practices, this internship could be your gateway to a stable career in the government sector.
Related: Apply for UJ Law Non-Subsidised Programmes – First Semester 2025
Spread the word. Share this with friends and family who might be interested. Good luck.
