Apply for the Afesis Social Justice Internship 2026 in East London. Earn R13,500 per month while gaining hands-on experience in local governance, urban safety, and land justice. Closing date: 28 April 2026.
Young graduates interested in social justice and community development now have an exciting opportunity to gain practical experience through an internship with Afesis. The organisation has announced a 12-month internship programme designed to provide hands-on exposure to participatory governance, urban safety initiatives, and pro-poor housing advocacy. This opportunity is ideal for individuals seeking to build a career in activism and development work while contributing meaningfully to communities.
About Afesis
Afesis is a development non-governmental organisation based in East London, South Africa. Established in 1983, the organisation has consistently worked toward strengthening participatory local governance, improving access to urban land for low-income housing, promoting peacebuilding, and advancing urban safety initiatives. Over the years, Afesis has developed a reputation for championing social justice and empowering citizens to take part in shaping their own development.
Through partnerships with communities, municipalities, and civil society, the organisation focuses on creating inclusive systems that prioritise marginalised voices. The internship programme forms part of this mission by nurturing young professionals who are passionate about community development and advocacy.
About the Internship Programme
The Afesis internship offers experiential learning for young entrants into the social justice sector. Interns will work directly on organisational programmes under the guidance of experienced staff members. This structured mentorship ensures that participants gain practical skills while understanding the complexities of governance, land justice, and community engagement.
The internship runs for a fixed term of 12 months, from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027. During this period, interns will be based at the Afesis office in East London and will actively contribute to ongoing initiatives. The programme is designed to align with the organisation’s diversity and succession planning goals, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for learning.
This opportunity is particularly suited to individuals with a strong interest in local governance, urban safety, and land justice. Participants will gain exposure to research, community facilitation, advocacy work, and communication strategies—skills that are highly valuable in the development sector.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Afesis is seeking a young, dynamic, and outgoing individual who demonstrates a genuine passion for community development. The ideal candidate should have a personal journey that reflects commitment to social justice and values that align with those of the organisation.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:
- Development Studies
- Urban Planning
- Political Science
- Communication
A postgraduate qualification will be considered an advantage. Additionally, candidates must possess a valid driver’s licence, as some work may involve travel to communities and project sites.
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Candidates with social media fluency and experience in content creation or public engagement will have an added advantage. The position requires someone who can engage with communities effectively while also contributing to research and reporting activities.
Stipend and Work Environment
The selected intern will receive a monthly stipend of R13,500, subject to statutory deductions. This financial support aims to assist participants while they gain valuable industry experience. The role will be based in East London, providing an opportunity to work closely with development professionals and community stakeholders.
Beyond financial support, the internship offers significant professional development. Interns will gain exposure to programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, advocacy campaigns, and policy-related work. These experiences can serve as a strong foundation for careers in NGOs, government, or international development agencies.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit the following:
- A detailed CV
- At least two contactable references
- A written sample demonstrating writing ability
Applications must be emailed to [email protected]. The closing date for submissions is 28 April 2026. Candidates who do not receive feedback by 22 May 2026 should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Why This Internship Matters
This internship offers more than just work experience. It provides an opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in communities while building professional skills. For graduates passionate about social justice, governance, and inclusive development, the programme presents a platform to grow and make an impact.
Young professionals looking to enter the development sector are encouraged to apply early, as opportunities like this are highly competitive. With structured mentorship, hands-on involvement, and exposure to advocacy work, the Afesis internship stands out as a valuable stepping stone for future leaders in community development.
Applications must be emailed to [email protected].
Get the latest jobs, internships, bursaries, and remote opportunities delivered instantly.
Follow our channels and never miss an update.
Join WhatsApp Channel
