The Department of Employment and Labour has officially invited unemployed South African graduates to apply for the Compensation Fund Graduate Internship Programme 2026. This initiative offers a significant 24-month contract designed to provide hands-on workplace exposure in the public service sector.
With a monthly stipend of R7 860.50, this programme is a premier stepping stone for graduates looking to build a career in finance, medical administration, and legal support. Applications close today, 27 February 2026.
Compensation Fund Internship: Fast Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Employer | Dept. of Employment and Labour (Compensation Fund) |
| Duration | 24 Months (Fixed-Term) |
| Stipend | R7 860.50 per month |
| Closing Date | 27 February 2026 (16:00 Walk-in / 23:59 Email) |
| Education Req. | NQF Level 6 (3-Year Diploma/Degree) |
Core Training Areas
Interns will be integrated into various Provincial Offices and Labour Centres, providing administrative support in specialized units:
- COID Services: Benefits processing, claims registration, and adjudication.
- Medical Services: Managing medical payments and quality assurance.
- Financial Admin: Pension administration and general finance support.
- Corporate Services: Human Resource Management and Legal Support.
Provincial Breakdown and Reference Numbers
To apply successfully, you must quote the correct Reference Number for your specific location.
Gauteng (GP)
- Claims Registration (x5): Ref: HR 5/1/2/3/13 (Johannesburg)
- Medical Payments: Ref: HR 5/1/2/3/15 (Pretoria)
- HR Management: Ref: HR 5/1/2/3/18 (Delta Heights)
- Enquiries: Mr P Phooko – 064 864 4652
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
- Finance (x2): Ref: HR 5/1/2/3/1 (Provincial Office)
- Medical Payments (x3): Ref: HR 5/1/2/3/5 (Durban)
- Claims Registration (x2): Ref: HR 5/1/2/3/10 (Richards Bay)
- Enquiries: Ms V Maninjwa – (031) 366 2026
Limpopo (LP)
- Legal Support (x2): Ref: HR 5/1/2/3/21 (Provincial Office)
- Customer Care (x2): Ref: HR 5/1/2/3/24 (Modimolle)
- Medical Services (x3): Ref: HR 5/1/2/3/29 (Polokwane)
- Enquiries: Ms S Lebogo – (015) 290 1662
Mpumalanga (MP)
- COID Services (x2): Ref: HR 5/1/2/3/36 (Mbombela)
- COID Services (x2): Ref: HR 5/1/2/3/37 (Emalahleni)
- Enquiries: Mr Oko Mpongwana – (013) 655 8700
Mandatory Eligibility Requirements
Before submitting your application, ensure you meet the following NQF Level 6 criteria:
- Nationality: Must be an unemployed South African citizen.
- Age: Between 18 and 35 years.
- Education: A relevant three-year tertiary qualification (Degree/Diploma) from a recognized institution.
- Exclusivity: You must never have participated in a Graduate Internship Programme previously.
How to Apply: Email and Walk-in Guide
The Department allows for both digital and physical submissions. Accuracy in the subject line is critical.
| Province | Application Email | Physical Address |
| Gauteng | [email protected] | 47 Empire Road, Parktown |
| Limpopo | [email protected] | 42a Schoeman Street, Polokwane |
| KZN | [email protected] | 267 Anton Lembede Street, Durban |
| Mpumalanga | [email protected] | Beatty Avenue, Emalahleni |
Important Note: Quote the Job Title and Reference Number clearly in your email subject line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this a permanent government job?
No, this is a 24-month internship. It is intended for skills development. While it improves your chances of permanent employment in the public sector, it does not guarantee a post after 24 months.
2. What documents do I need to attach?
You should provide a Z83 form (available at any government office), an updated CV, and clear copies of your ID and qualifications.
3. Can I apply for multiple provinces?
It is recommended to apply for positions in the province where you currently reside, as the Compensation Fund does not provide relocation or housing allowances.
4. What does “COID” stand for?
COID stands for Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases. Interns in this unit help process claims for workers injured on duty.
5. What is the NQF Level 6 requirement?
NQF Level 6 refers to a standard three-year Diploma or National Degree. Higher certificates (Level 5) do not qualify for this specific programme.
Hope Johnson
Hope Johnson is the Founder and Lead Content Editor of SETAWeb, a South Africa–based digital platform focused on education, SETA programmes, learnerships, bursaries, internships, and career opportunities. She has extensive experience researching, verifying, and publishing accurate information sourced from official SETAs, government departments, universities, and public sector institutions. Contact: [email protected]