In a time where the job market is highly competitive, especially for recent graduates, gaining relevant work experience can be a daunting challenge. However, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) in KwaZulu-Natal is offering a lifeline to unemployed graduates by launching their Internship Programme for 2025-27. This programme aims to empower young graduates with the necessary skills and workplace experience that will enhance their employability while addressing some of South Africa’s national goals in terms of economic development and skills enhancement.
A Bold Step Towards Addressing Unemployment and Skills Development
South Africa’s strategic development frameworks, such as the National Skills Development Strategy III (NSDS III), New Growth Path (NGP), the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS), and the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030, highlight the critical need for improving skills among the youth. With high levels of unemployment, especially among graduates, EDTEA’s Internship Programme is timely and essential. It is structured to not only offer real workplace experience but also contribute to the broader goals of socio-economic upliftment and skills development.
Internships provide a bridge between academic knowledge and practical work experience, offering invaluable insights into the professional world. EDTEA is offering graduates a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various fields related to economic development, tourism, and environmental management.
Who Can Apply?
This Internship Programme is targeting unemployed graduates with a minimum of a three-year National Diploma (ND) or Degree from a recognized university or university of technology. The selected interns will be engaged in structured workplace training for 24 months and will receive a monthly stipend/allowance during this period. This initiative is ideal for graduates looking to kickstart their careers in various sectors, ranging from finance and human resource management to tourism and environmental services.
Here’s a breakdown of the fields in which the internships are offered and the qualifications required:
1. Programme 1: Administration
- Office Support, Intergovernmental Relations, Risk and Integrity Management, Internal Audit, Financial Management, and Human Resource Management, among others.
- Required qualifications: Degree or National Diploma in Public Administration, Business Administration, Risk Management, Accounting, Human Resource Management, and other related fields.
- Locations: Various, including Ethekwini and Head Office.
2. Programme 2: Integrated Economic Development Services
- Includes small business development, co-operatives, economic empowerment, regional and local economic development, and business regulation.
- Required qualifications: Degrees or Diplomas in Economics, Business Management, Development Studies, Commerce, and Law.
- Locations: Head Office and District Offices such as uMzinyathi, uThukela, uGu, and others.
3. Programme 3: Trade Sector and Tourism Development
- Focus areas include tourism development, trade and investment promotions, forestry, maritime, and creative economy.
- Required qualifications: Degrees or Diplomas in Tourism, Economics, Business Management, Forestry, Arts, and Marketing.
- Locations: Head Office.
4. Programme 4: Economic Research, Strategy, and Planning
- Interns can work in district operations management, monitoring and evaluation, public entities oversight, strategic planning, and economic reviews.
- Required qualifications: Degrees in Public Management, Economics, Development Studies, and other related fields.
- Locations: Head Office and various district offices.
5. Programme 5: Environmental Empowerment Management Services
- Specializes in environmental management, science, and law.
- Required qualifications: Degrees in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, or Natural Sciences.
- Locations: Head Office and District Offices such as Amajuba, uThukela, and Harry Gwala.
Application Requirements
To apply, candidates must complete the Z83 application form, which can be obtained from any public service department or downloaded from the Department of Public Service and Administration’s website. Along with the Z83 form, applicants must attach a detailed CV. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified documents at a later stage.
Furthermore, it’s important for applicants to submit a signed affidavit confirming that they have not previously benefited from any other government internship programme.
Equal Opportunity for All
As an equal opportunity employer, EDTEA strongly encourages applications from designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Act of 1998. The Department is committed to promoting diversity and ensuring that previously disadvantaged individuals have access to these career-building opportunities.
The deadline for applications is November 1, 2024, and interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid any issues. Applications can be hand-delivered to several district offices or sent by mail to the EDTEA’s head office in Pietermaritzburg.
Why This Internship Programme is a Game Changer
Internships like this one provide a rare and valuable opportunity for young people who are trying to break into the professional world. In a country where youth unemployment is a pressing issue, structured programmes like these offer real solutions by providing meaningful work experience and skills development.
Not only does the internship help graduates build their careers, but it also plays a role in the broader economic and social development of South Africa. By investing in its youth, EDTEA is helping to shape the future workforce of the country, ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills they need to succeed.
How to Apply
Candidates can submit their applications directly to the head office or district offices. Here are a few of the locations for submitting applications:
- Ethekwini District Office: Marine Building, 22 Dorothy Nyembe Street, 8th Floor, Durban.
- Ugu District Office: Port Shepstone, 46 Bisset Street.
- Harry Gwala District Office: Trigon Place, 139a Margaret Street, Ixopo.
To learn more, visit the KwaZulu-Natal Official website.
The closing date for applications is November 1, 2024.
If you are a young graduate seeking to gain practical experience and work alongside industry professionals, this could be the perfect stepping stone to a successful career. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of the transformation and growth of KwaZulu-Natal’s economy.
Related: Transnet CA Trainee Programme 2025
The 2025-27 Internship Programme offered by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs is a fantastic initiative aimed at empowering unemployed graduates and providing them with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for the job market. With numerous fields of interest covered, from environmental management to trade sector development, this programme is sure to provide valuable opportunities to many aspiring professionals.