South African Social Security Agency Opens 2026 TVET Learnership and Internship Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
A Major Opportunity for Skills Development and Work Experience in South Africa
Unemployment among young people remains one of South Africa’s most serious socio-economic challenges. Many graduates and TVET college students complete their studies each year only to find that they cannot secure employment due to a lack of practical experience. To help bridge this gap between education and the workplace, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially opened its 2026 Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Internship Programmes for unemployed youth across the country.
These programmes are designed to give young South Africans real-world exposure inside one of the most important government institutions in the country—an organisation responsible for administering social grants to millions of citizens every month. Through structured training, mentoring, and workplace participation, SASSA aims to equip participants with skills that improve long-term employability while also strengthening public service delivery.
This article explains everything applicants need to know: who qualifies, what programmes are available, how much participants will earn, where placements will be located, and why these opportunities matter so much in today’s job market.
Understanding SASSA’s Role in South Africa
Before exploring the learnerships and internships themselves, it is important to understand the role SASSA plays in the country.
SASSA is a national government agency tasked with administering social assistance programmes, including child support grants, old-age pensions, disability grants, and other forms of income support. Every month, millions of South Africans rely on SASSA services for survival and dignity.
Because of this responsibility, SASSA operates in a highly structured, regulated, and professional environment. Any young person who gains workplace exposure within the agency is exposed to real government systems, compliance standards, financial controls, and public-service ethics—experience that is extremely valuable in both the public and private sectors.
Overview of the 2026 SASSA Training Opportunities
SASSA is offering two distinct development pathways for young people:
- Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme – aimed at TVET college students
- Head Office Internship Programme – aimed at graduates and diploma holders
Each programme serves a different purpose, but both share a common goal: to provide structured workplace learning that improves employability.
Key Programme Details at a Glance
- Organisation: South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- Programme Types:
- Work Integrated Learning (TVET)
- Internship Programme (Head Office)
- Placement Locations: Nationwide and Head Office (depending on programme)
- Application Method: Email applications only
- Closing Date: 24 February 2025
- Enquiries Contact: Mr Justice Matshikhi – 012 400 2343
What Is Work Integrated Learning (WIL)?
Many students confuse Work Integrated Learning with casual work experience. SASSA makes it clear that WIL is not ordinary employment.
Work Integrated Learning is a formal and compulsory component of many TVET qualifications. It allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a real workplace while completing required logbooks, assessments, and learning outcomes defined by their institution.
Without WIL, many students cannot graduate—even if they have passed all their theory modules.
Why the SASSA WIL Programme Is Important
For thousands of TVET students, finding placement is the most difficult part of their qualification. Companies often prefer experienced workers and are unwilling to take students. SASSA’s WIL Programme directly addresses this problem by:
- Offering structured placements aligned with specific qualifications
- Providing supervision and mentorship
- Allowing students to complete mandatory logbooks
- Paying a monthly stipend to support participants financially
This makes the programme especially valuable for stude
Duration of the WIL Programme
The length of the WIL placement depends on the qualification requirements:
- Minimum: 6 months
- Maximum: 18 months
Participants must commit to the full duration to successfully complete their qualification requirements.
WIL Fields and Placement Areas at SASSA
SASSA has opened limited but highly targeted WIL opportunities across several operational branches. Each placement is linked to a specific qualification and reference number.
1. Corporate Services – Human Resources Management
This placement is suitable for students studying Human Resources Management who need exposure to real HR operations.
Qualification Required:
- National Certificate or statement of results in Human Resources Management
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: SASSA HO SAB 15/11/2025-07
Participants will gain experience in recruitment administration, employee records, HR compliance, and internal staff support processes.
2. Marketing and Communication
This placement focuses on public messaging, stakeholder engagement, and media support.
Accepted Fields of Study:
- Public Relations
- Communication
- Media Studies
- Multimedia Journalism
- Communication and Marketing
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: SASSA HO SAB 15/11/2025-02
Learners may assist with internal communications, awareness campaigns, digital content, and public-facing information.
3. Facilities and Auxiliary Support Services
This opportunity is ideal for students interested in public sector operations and infrastructure support.
Qualification Required:
- Public Management
- Facilities and Auxiliary Support Services
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: SASSA HO SAB 05/11/2026-03
Participants will learn how government facilities are managed, maintained, and supported.
4. Finance
Finance placements expose learners to real government accounting and financial controls.
Qualification Required:
- National Certificate or statement of results in Financial Accounting
Number of Posts: 2
Reference Number: SASSA HO SAB 05/11/2026-04
This experience is especially valuable for students aiming to work in finance, auditing, or government accounting roles.
5. Grant Administration
Grant Administration is at the heart of SASSA’s mandate.
Accepted Qualifications:
- Industrial Engineering Management Services
- Operations Management
- Financial Accounting
Number of Posts: 3
Reference Number: SASSA HO SAB 05/11/2026-05
Learners will gain insight into how social grants are processed, monitored, and managed.
WIL Monthly Stipend
All WIL participants will receive a monthly all-inclusive stipend of R5 639,75.
While this is not a salary, it provides meaningful financial relief to cover transport, food, and basic living expenses during the placement period.
For many students, this stipend makes the difference between being able to complete their qualification or dropping out due to financial pressure.
SASSA Head Office Internship Programme
In addition to TVET placements, SASSA is also offering a 24-month Internship Programme aimed at graduates and diploma holders.
These internships are designed to develop young professionals who already hold post-school qualifications but lack workplace exposure.nts from disadvantaged backgrounds who cannot afford unpaid placements.
Duration and Structure of the Internship Programme
- Contract Length: 24 months
- Placement Level: Head Office and selected branches
- Learning Approach:
- Structured training
- On-the-job experience
- Mentorship and supervision
Interns are not permanently employed, but the skills gained significantly improve future employment prospects.
Internship Fields Available at SASSA
1. Internal Audit
This field is suitable for candidates interested in risk management, compliance, and governance.
Qualification Required:
- National Diploma, Advanced Diploma, B-Tech, or Degree (NQF Level 6 or 7) in Internal Audit
Number of Posts: 2
Reference Number: SASSA HO SAB 15/11/2025-01
Interns will be exposed to auditing processes within a major government institution.
2. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
SASSA relies heavily on technology to manage grants and data securely.
Accepted Qualifications:
- Information and Communication Technology
- Information Technology
- Information Science and Project Management
- Library Information Sciences
Available Posts:
- 3 ICT posts
- 1 Library Information Sciences post
- 1 EPMO (Change Management) post
These internships are ideal for graduates seeking experience in government IT systems, data management, and digital transformation.
3. Fraud Management and Compliance
This field focuses on protecting public funds and ensuring ethical conduct.
Qualification Requirements:
- Relevant diploma or degree in fields related to fraud management, compliance, or risk
Interns will assist in monitoring, reporting, and prevention strategies.
Internship Monthly Stipend
Interns will receive an all-inclusive monthly stipend of R7 860,50.
This amount is higher than the WIL stipend due to the advanced qualification level and longer duration of the internship.
Who Should Apply?
These programmes are suitable for:
- Unemployed South African youth
- TVET college students needing WIL placement
- Graduates and diploma holders without work experience
- Individuals interested in public service careers
Applicants must meet qualification requirements and be willing to commit to the full programme duration.
Why These Programmes Matter
The SASSA learnership and internship initiatives are more than just temporary opportunities. They:
- Reduce youth unemployment
- Improve graduate employability
- Strengthen public sector capacity
- Provide real-world experience in a respected institution
Many former interns and learners go on to secure permanent roles in government or the private sector.
Application Process and Deadline
Applications must be submitted by email only, using the correct reference number for the position applied for.
Click on link below to apply
Closing Date: 24 February 2025
Late applications will not be considered.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 SASSA TVET Learnership and Internship Programmes represent a powerful opportunity for young South Africans to gain meaningful work experience while contributing to a critical public service.
For students struggling to complete their qualifications and graduates seeking their first professional step, this programme can be a life-changing bridge between education and employment.
