Are you a young South African looking to launch a career in social justice, human rights, or administration? The Sonke Learnership and Internship Programme 2026 offers a unique pathway for unemployed youth to gain work-ready skills in a high-impact environment.
As an organization committed to gender equality and human rights, Sonke Gender Justice provides structured learning that goes beyond the classroom, offering hands-on experience in one of South Africa’s most respected NGOs.
2026 Programme Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Sonke Gender Justice |
| Eligibility | Unemployed Youth (18–35) |
| Qualification | Grade 12 (Matric) / Graduate Degrees |
| Duration | 12 to 24 Months |
| Stipend | Monthly allowance provided |
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2026 intake, you must meet the following mandatory requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
- Age: Between 18 and 35 years old.
- Education: Minimum Grade 12 (Matric) certificate. For specific internships (e.g., Paralegal or Research), a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Law, or Finance is required.
- Ethics: A strong commitment to gender equality and human rights principles.
Available Training Streams
Sonke’s work is diverse, and their learnership/internship opportunities typically fall into these key units:
- Paralegal & Advocacy: Working on policy development and legal rights.
- Community Education: Facilitating workshops on GBV and gender justice.
- CSI Unit: Training in communications, social media, and multimedia storytelling.
- Operations & Finance: Gain skills in office administration and basic accounting.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step for 2026
Applications for Sonke are handled professionally through their HR department. Follow these steps to ensure your application is successful:
- Download the Form: Visit the official Sonke Gender Justice Opportunities page to find the current Application for Employment Form.
- Prepare Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights any volunteer work or community involvement.
- Write a Motivation Letter: Clearly state which unit you are interested in (e.g., Policy or Communications).
- Submit via Email: Send your documents to [email protected] before the closing date.
Important Note: For 2026, Sonke has a paralegal vacancy closing on 28 February 2026. Check the official site for updated learnership deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Sonke Learnership only for graduates?
No. While many internships require a degree, Sonke often runs community-based programmes and paralegal roles accessible to those with a Matric (Grade 12) certificate and a passion for social change.
2. Will I receive a stipend?
Yes. Successful candidates receive a monthly stipend (ranging from R5,000 to R7,000 depending on the role) to assist with transport and basic expenses.
3. Does Sonke offer remote internships?
Depending on the role, some coordination or research positions may have a remote or hybrid option, though community education roles are usually on-site in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Bushbuckridge.
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]