Apply for Budget Justice Coalition Communications Internship 2026: R15,000 Monthly Stipend

Budget Justice Coalition is offering a 12-month Communications Internship with a R15,000 monthly stipend. Apply by April 15, 2026, for this nationwide opportunity.
Budget Justice Coalition (BJC) has announced a Communications Internship opportunity aimed at recent graduates interested in advocacy, public policy communication, and social justice. This 12-month internship, running from June 1, 2026, to May 2027, offers a monthly stipend of R15,000 and provides hands-on experience within a collaborative civil society environment. ๐ข
The opportunity is structured to develop a young communications practitioner who is passionate about translating complex policy issues into accessible content. Through practical involvement in advocacy campaigns, digital communication, and media engagement, the selected intern will gain valuable exposure to communication work within the social justice sector.
About the Organisation
The Budget Justice Coalition is a civil society alliance that advocates for a people-centred budget that promotes social and economic justice in South Africa. The coalition works with multiple organisations to influence fiscal policy and improve public participation in budget processes. By strengthening communication efforts, the coalition aims to make policy issues more accessible and understandable to communities.
Internship Overview
The Communications Intern will support the coalitionโs communication and media advocacy work. The role involves helping expand digital outreach, strengthening public engagement, and contributing to campaign communication strategies.
This opportunity is offered nationwide. Candidates based in Johannesburg or Cape Town may work in a smart-working arrangement, while applicants from other areas will work remotely. This flexible structure ensures accessibility to candidates across the country.
Programme Objectives
The internship is designed to:
- Strengthen and streamline communication outputs
- Improve visibility and public engagement
- Build practical advocacy communication skills
- Provide exposure to policy-focused campaigns
The role is particularly suited for individuals who wish to pursue careers in communications for social impact and policy advocacy.
Target Applicants
The opportunity is extended to recent communications graduates, particularly those from Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. The coalition prioritizes applicants from underrepresented provinces, rural communities, and historically marginalized areas to support inclusive participation.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Communications Intern will contribute across several areas:
Content and Digital Communication
- Assist in developing social media platforms
- Support content planning and scheduling
- Engage with online audiences
- Produce email newsletters and mailers
- Manage mailing databases
Campaigns and Advocacy
- Support implementation of advocacy campaigns
- Help simplify complex policy content
- Assist in creating multimedia content for events and mobilization activities
Media and Writing
- Draft media statements following budget announcements
- Support media liaison activities
- Assist with website updates and content uploads
Coordination
- Participate in communications working group meetings
- Collaborate with coalition members and partners
Monitoring and Reporting
- Produce monthly reports on social media performance
- Track database growth and engagement metrics
Learning and Development
The internship offers structured support to ensure professional growth. The selected candidate will receive:
- Weekly supervision and feedback from the Head of Communications
- Support from partner organisations
- Exposure to experienced advocacy practitioners
- Mentoring and psychosocial support
- Practical campaign and communication experience
These learning opportunities help interns develop both technical communication skills and broader advocacy knowledge.
Requirements and Skills
Applicants should possess:
- A qualification in media, communications, or visual arts
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Passion for economic transformation and inclusive development
- Ability to simplify complex ideas into accessible content
- Basic familiarity with social media platforms
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Willingness to learn and take initiative
Fluency in English and at least one local language such as isiZulu, Afrikaans, or Sepedi is considered an advantage.
Application Details
Interested candidates must submit the following:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Portfolio of relevant work
Applications should be sent via email to: [email protected]
- Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
- Duration: 12 months
- Stipend: R15,000 per month
Late applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Final Thoughts
The Communications Internship at the Budget Justice Coalition offers a valuable opportunity for graduates seeking to build careers in advocacy communication. With structured mentorship, practical campaign experience, and a competitive stipend, the programme provides a strong foundation for individuals passionate about social justice and public policy communication.




