City of Johannesburg Social Development Student Internships 2026: Apply Before 20 August

The City of Johannesburg is inviting qualifying students to apply for Social Development internships in Food Value Chain and Women & Elderly programmes. Apply online by 20 August 2026.

The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has opened applications for student internship opportunities within its Social Development Department. Published under Student Internship Circular 022/2026, the opportunities are aimed at qualifying young people from the Johannesburg community who require practical workplace exposure as part of their academic or professional development.

The current opportunities are available within the Food Resilience Unit and Targeted Beneficiaries Unit, with successful candidates receiving a monthly basic salary of R10,109.86 and gaining practical experience in municipal programmes and service delivery.

The internship programme is designed to provide work-based training to students who need workplace exposure to complete an academic qualification or obtain experiential training after completing their studies.

Applications close on Thursday, 20 August 2026.

City of Johannesburg Social Development Internship Programme

The City of Johannesburg recognises the importance of practical workplace experience in preparing young people for employment. Its internship programme therefore provides qualifying students with an opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a municipal environment.

The internship opportunities are specifically intended for young people in Johannesburg communities who meet the stated requirements.

Applicants should also note that the City indicates that candidates who have previously participated in an internship programme will generally not be considered, except where the previous internship was unrelated to their course of study.

The internship period will not exceed 18 months.

The City of Johannesburg is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right not to make an appointment.

1. Internship: Food Value Chain

The first opportunity is available in the Food Resilience Unit within the Social Development Department.

The position is based at the Traduna Building and is aimed at candidates who have completed a qualification carrying a minimum of 360 credits.

Salary: R10,109.86 per month, basic salary, no benefits

Minimum Requirements

Candidates applying for the Food Value Chain internship should have:

• Grade 12/NQF Level 4.
• A Degree or Diploma in Agriculture Studies, Development Studies or an equivalent qualification.
• The applicant must be a resident of the City of Johannesburg.
• The qualification should meet the minimum credit requirement specified in the advertisement.

What the Intern Will Do

The Food Value Chain internship provides exposure to an area that connects agricultural production with food processing, value addition, quality, food safety and market access.

The successful intern will assist with initiatives designed to help farmers move beyond primary agricultural production and develop processed, value-added products.

The role may also provide exposure to training development, South African Bureau of Standards requirements and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification compliance.

Key responsibilities include supporting activities that increase smallholder agricultural production and improve market linkages. The intern will also help identify food and agricultural value-chain opportunities within Johannesburg.

Other responsibilities include supporting the implementation of food value-chain plans, coordinating with local partners and assisting with agricultural market days across different regions.

The intern will also interact with farmers and agro-processors, making stakeholder management an important part of the position. Administrative duties associated with programme implementation will also form part of the role.

Skills and Competencies

The City is looking for candidates with skills in:

• Marketing
• Conflict management
• Stakeholder mobilisation
• Research
• Project management
• Monitoring and evaluation

Candidates should also have knowledge of food security, agricultural production, project management and agricultural systems supporting emerging farmers.

An understanding of agricultural markets and market research will be advantageous.

ALSO READ

• Gijima HR/Finance Internship 2026: Opportunity for Unemployed Graduates
• Siemens Engineering and Technology Bursary Programme 2027: Fully Funded Opportunity for Future Engineers and Technology Leaders
• SMU Public Relations and Communications Internship Programme 2026: Applications Open for Graduates
• Premier Marketing Graduate Opportunity 2026
• Transnet Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme 2026: Non-Technical Opportunities for TVET College Graduates

2. Internship: Women and Elderly

The second opportunity is available within the Targeted Beneficiaries Unit of the Social Development Department.

The position is also based at the Traduna Building and offers the same monthly basic salary of R10,109.86, with no benefits.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should have:

• Grade 12/NQF Level 4.
• A BA Social Sciences Degree, BA Developmental Studies Degree or BA Degree in Gender Studies at NQF Level 7.
• Johannesburg residency.

The internship is particularly suited to graduates and students with an academic background connected to social sciences, development, gender studies or related fields.

Responsibilities

The successful intern will assist with the implementation and facilitation of programmes aimed at supporting women and elderly beneficiaries.

The role will involve planning and managing Women and Elderly programmes and projects while providing general support to managers within the unit.

The intern will also be expected to liaise, network and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to promote integrated service delivery in accordance with City of Johannesburg policies and procedures.

Budget planning and programme implementation will also form part of the exposure. Candidates will gain insight into how municipal programmes are planned and implemented in accordance with the City’s business plans, financial policies and the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

Skills and Competencies

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Computer literacy, particularly MS Office skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Project management abilities.
• Leadership capability.

Knowledge of the management and implementation of programmes supporting women and elderly communities will be beneficial. Candidates should also have an understanding of local government policies and procedures.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunities are aimed at qualifying students and young people from the Johannesburg community.

The City specifically states that only City of Johannesburg residents will be considered.

Applicants should carefully check the academic requirements for each internship before submitting an application. Candidates should also ensure that they have not previously participated in an internship programme unless the previous programme was unrelated to their field of study.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the relevant supporting documentation before starting the online application.

The advertisement indicates that candidates should attach:

• Certified qualification documents.
• A copy of their South African ID.
• A CV.
• Any other relevant documents requested during the online application process.

The City advises applicants to use Google Chrome when completing applications.

Candidates should also ensure that documents are clear, accurate and properly uploaded before submitting the application.

The City’s current applicant guidance emphasises following the advertisement’s instructions carefully, using clear file names and ensuring that online-only applications are submitted through the prescribed platform.

How to Apply

Applications for these Social Development internships must be submitted online.

The Food Value Chain internship has its own online application form, while the Women and Elderly internship uses a separate application link.

Food Value Chain Internship:
Apply online for Food Value Chain Internship

Women and Elderly Internship:
Apply online for Women and Elderly Internship

Applicants can also visit the City of Johannesburg official website for recruitment information and other municipal vacancies.

The City has made it clear that applications submitted by email will not be accepted. The email address provided for the advertisement is strictly for enquiries and should not be used to submit CVs, qualifications or applications.

Closing Date

The closing date for both internship opportunities is:

Thursday, 20 August 2026

Because only online applications will be considered, candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.

Important Information for Applicants

Applicants should carefully review their information before submitting an application. By applying for a position with the City of Johannesburg, candidates consent to the use of their personal information for recruitment and selection purposes.

Shortlisted candidates may also be subject to verification and background checks, including qualification and CV validation, employment record verification, criminal checks, identity validation and other relevant checks.

The City states that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Candidates who do not receive notification of appointment or a response within six weeks after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.

For candidates interested in municipal careers, these internships can provide valuable practical exposure to local government operations, community development, programme management, stakeholder engagement and public service delivery.

With applications closing on 20 August 2026, eligible Johannesburg residents are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and submit complete online applications before the deadline.

Enquiries only: Mathapelo Nare — [email protected]

APPLY VIA THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Get the latest jobs, internships, bursaries, and remote opportunities delivered instantly.
Follow our channels and never miss an update.

Join WhatsApp Channel