More than 100 opportunities are now open for unemployed South African youth through the NFVF National Archives Digitisation Project in Pretoria. From scanner operators to archivists and IT support roles, this 2026 intake offers a rare chance to gain experience, earn income, and work on preserving South Africa’s national records before the 08 April deadline.
The NFVF National Archives Digitisation Project for 2026 is now accepting applications from unemployed South African youth aged 35 and under. Based in Pretoria, the programme offers more than 100 placements across archivist, administration, preservation, IT, and entry-level support roles through PESP Phase 6.
For many young job seekers, this is the kind of opportunity that does not open every day.
It combines work experience, public sector exposure, and a chance to contribute to preserving South Africa’s cultural and historical records in one programme. With applications closing on 08 April 2026, early preparation matters.
What is the NFVF National Archives Digitisation Project 2026?
The programme is being implemented by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC).
It forms part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme Phase 6 (PESP 6) and is focused on supporting digitisation work at the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA) in Pretoria.
In simple terms, selected applicants will help preserve, organise, manage, and digitise important national records.
That means this is not just a job opportunity. It is also a skills-building pathway linked to heritage, records management, and digital preservation.
Who can apply for these NFVF PESP Phase 6 opportunities?
The project is aimed at:
- Unemployed South African citizens
- Youth aged 35 years or younger
- Applicants who meet the qualification requirements for the specific role
- Candidates who can submit all required supporting documents
Applicants who have previously participated in PESP projects are discouraged from applying.
This is important because the programme is designed to widen access and create new employment opportunities for young people who still need exposure and experience.
Why is this opportunity getting so much attention?
A big reason is accessibility.
Not every government-linked opportunity caters to applicants across multiple qualification levels, but this one does. The available roles range from positions requiring Grade 10 or Grade 12 all the way up to diploma and degree-level qualifications.
That opens the door for a much wider group of applicants.
It also helps that the project is based at the National Archives in Pretoria, where successful candidates can gain hands-on exposure to structured archival systems, digitisation workflows, and government record preservation.
What jobs are available in the NFVF National Archives Digitisation Project?
The programme includes 20+ job categories and more than 100 placement opportunities.
Here is a breakdown of the main categories.
Which archivist roles are available?
Applicants with qualifications in archival studies or related fields may qualify for roles such as:
- Archivist: Arrangement and Description (15 posts)
- Archivist: Outreach and Publications (2 posts)
- Archivist: Oral History (2 posts)
These roles are suited to candidates who want to work with classification, documentation, interpretation, and long-term preservation of records.
For anyone interested in heritage, public records, or documentary preservation, these are some of the most specialised posts in the programme.
Which assistant archivist roles are open?
There are also assistant-level roles for applicants with Grade 12 or a relevant diploma, depending on the category.
These include:
- Assistant Archivist: Arrangement and Description
- Assistant Archivist: Reading Room
- Assistant Archivist: Cartographic Material
- Assistant Archivist: Strong Room Registers
- Sensitive Records Assistant Archivist
These roles are ideal for candidates who want practical experience in document handling, storage systems, and records access support.
Are there audio-visual preservation jobs in this programme?
Yes, and these may stand out for applicants interested in media, sound, or film preservation.
Available roles include:
- Film and Video Preservation Assistants
- Sound Preservation Assistants
- Legal Deposit Audio-Visual Assistants
Typical qualifications mentioned for these roles include a diploma or degree in fields such as:
- Film
- Engineering
- Archival science
- Audio production
This is one of the strongest sections of the programme for young people hoping to build careers in film archiving, broadcasting, heritage preservation, or post-production technology.
What administration and records roles are available?
Applicants with qualifications in office administration or public administration may be suited for roles such as:
- Administration Officer
- Sensitive Records Admin Officer
- Records Management Officer
These placements can help build practical experience in structured office systems, document control, and public administration processes.
That kind of experience can be valuable for future roles in both government and private sector administration.
Are there IT and systems support jobs available?
Yes. The programme also includes technical positions for applicants with IT qualifications.
Examples include:
- Systems Administrator (MCSE required)
- IT Support Officer
These roles support the digital systems that help keep archival and digitisation processes running smoothly.
For young candidates with tech skills, this offers direct workplace exposure in a real operational environment.
Are there entry-level jobs for applicants with Grade 10 or Grade 12?
Yes, and this is one of the most appealing parts of the intake.
Some of the roles require only school-level qualifications, which means applicants without tertiary education may still qualify. Examples include:
- Scanner Operator
- Archive Assistant Housekeeping
- Conservation Assistant
- Assistant Archivist in selected categories
This makes the programme more inclusive and gives school-leavers a real shot at formal work experience.
Is there a driver-based role in the programme?
Yes. The driver-related post listed is:
Principal Auxiliary Officer
Requirements include:
- Grade 12
- Valid Code 10 driver’s licence
- PDP
Applicants who already meet these requirements may want to prioritise this post early, as driver-based vacancies often attract strong competition.
Is there a maintenance or technical support role?
Yes. The listed technical support post is:
Maintenance Officer
The stated requirement is a qualification in the built environment.
This role may suit applicants with technical maintenance or facilities-related training who want experience in an institutional setting.
What are the minimum requirements to qualify?
To be considered, applicants must generally:
- Be South African citizens
- Be unemployed
- Be aged 35 years or younger
- Meet the qualification requirements of the specific role
- Submit all required supporting documents
Incomplete applications can easily miss consideration.
That is why getting your documents ready before the deadline is one of the smartest moves you can make right now.
Which documents are needed for the application?
Applicants are required to submit:
- An updated CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Certified driver’s licence, where applicable
Make sure your documents are clear, correctly certified, and matched to the role you are applying for.
A strong application is not only about meeting the minimum requirements. It is also about presenting complete and well-organised documents.
Where will the programme take place?
All placements are based at the:
National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA), Pretoria
This gives selected candidates the chance to work inside a professional archival environment tied to:
- National heritage systems
- Government archives infrastructure
- Digital preservation workflows
- Records management operations
For many applicants, that kind of workplace exposure can become a useful stepping stone to future opportunities.
What screening happens after application?
Successful candidates will undergo verification processes that may include:
- Citizenship verification
- Criminal background checks
- Qualification verification
Applicants should also note that if they do not receive feedback within 30 days after the closing date, the application should be considered unsuccessful.
How do you apply for the NFVF National Archives Digitisation Project 2026?
Applicants must submit their abridged CV and supporting documents by email.
Application email: vacancies@nfvf.co.za
Reference: RECR/PESP 6/03/26
Closing date: 08 April 2026
Applications must be submitted before the deadline, and late submissions will not be considered.
When sending your application, make sure the correct reference appears clearly so your documents can be matched to the project.
What should applicants do before the deadline?
A good approach is to prepare in stages:
First, identify the role that best matches your qualifications.
Then check whether you need to include extras such as a certified driver’s licence or specialised qualification documents.
Finally, review your CV and make sure it is current, easy to read, and relevant to the role you want.
Do not leave certification and document preparation for the last minute.
Why could this opportunity matter for your future career?
Opportunities like this can do more than provide short-term employment.
They can help young applicants build workplace discipline, gain relevant experience, develop confidence, and strengthen their CVs with recognised institutional exposure.
Whether your interest is in archives, administration, IT, preservation, or general entry-level work, this project offers a practical route into a structured working environment.
Grow Your Career with SETACareers
Access the latest learnerships, internships, bursaries, apprenticeships, and practical SETA guides designed to help you succeed.
Final Thoughts
The NFVF National Archives Digitisation Project 2026 stands out as a valuable opportunity for unemployed South African youth who want work experience in a meaningful national project. With roles available from entry-level to specialist categories, the programme creates access for a wide range of applicants.
With the 08 April 2026 closing date approaching, the best next step is to prepare your documents early, choose the most suitable role, and submit a complete application before the deadline.
