The Department of Correctional Services is inviting graduates to apply for its Public Service Graduate Internship Programme 2026, a 24-month internship opportunity designed to help unemployed graduates gain practical workplace experience.
Successful interns will receive a monthly stipend of R8 174.75.
Applications close on 09 July 2026 at 15:45. Applicants must submit a completed Z83 form, a detailed curriculum vitae and the correct reference number for the internship field they are applying for.
For graduates who have the qualification but still need real workplace exposure, this internship programme offers a structured entry point into the public service.
The key is accuracy: one wrong reference number, missing Z83 form or incomplete application can cost an applicant the opportunity.
Quick Overview
Department: Department of Correctional Services
Programme: Public Service Graduate Internship Programme 2026
Duration: 24 months
Monthly Stipend: R8 174.75
Closing Date: 09 July 2026 at 15:45
Application Method: Z83 form, detailed curriculum vitae and correct reference number
Location: South Africa
Who Should Apply: Graduates who meet the qualification requirements for the relevant field
What is the Department of Correctional Services Internships 2026 programme?
The Department of Correctional Services Internships 2026 programme is a graduate internship opportunity aimed at helping qualified graduates gain workplace exposure in different fields within the department.
The programme runs for 24 months, giving successful applicants time to develop practical skills, understand public service operations and gain experience that can strengthen future career applications.
Internship opportunities are available across national and regional offices, training colleges and different occupational fields.
Why should graduates pay attention to this opportunity?
Many graduates complete their qualifications but struggle to secure their first workplace opportunity.
This programme helps bridge that gap by giving graduates a chance to work inside a government department while earning a monthly stipend.
A 24-month internship can add meaningful experience to a curriculum vitae, especially for graduates applying for future public service or sector-related roles.
Which internship fields are available?
The Department of Correctional Services Internships 2026 include opportunities in the following fields:
- Built Environment
- Legal
- Finance
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Information Technology
- Supply Chain Management
- Theology
- Correctional Service Management
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Agriculture
- Kitchen / Bakery
- Artisans
- Clothing and Textile
Applicants must apply for the field that matches their qualification.
What internship opportunities are available at Head Office?
The following opportunities are listed for Head Office.
Built Environment
Reference Number: HO 2026/06/01
Centre: Head Office
Stipend: R8 174.75 per month
Applicants must have a National Diploma or Degree in one of the following:
- Architectural Technology
- Interior Design Landscape
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Structural Engineering
Legal
Reference Number: HO 2026/06/02
Centre: Head Office
Stipend: R8 174.75 per month
Applicants must have a Bachelor of Laws.
Finance
Reference Number: HO 2026/06/03
Centre: Head Office
Stipend: R8 174.75 per month
Applicants must have a National Diploma or Degree in:
- Financial Accounting
- Financial Management
Psychology
Reference Number: HO 2026/06/04
Centre: Head Office
Stipend: R8 174.75 per month
Applicants must have a Degree in Psychology.
Social Work
Reference Number: HO 2026/06/05
Centre: Head Office
Stipend: R8 174.75 per month
Applicants must have a Degree in Social Work.
Information Technology
Reference Number: HO 2026/06/06
Centre: Head Office
Stipend: R8 174.75 per month
Applicants must have a National Diploma or Degree in Information Technology.
Supply Chain Management
Reference Number: HO 2026/06/07
Centre: Head Office
Stipend: R8 174.75 per month
Applicants must have a National Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management.
Theology
Reference Number: HO 2026/06/08
Centre: Head Office
Stipend: R8 174.75 per month
Applicants must have a National Diploma or Degree in Theological Studies.
Correctional Service Management
Reference Number: HO 2026/06/09
Centre: Head Office
Stipend: R8 174.75 per month
Applicants must have a National Diploma or Degree in one of the following:
- Correctional Services Management
- Correctional Sciences
- Penology
- Criminology
- Security Management
Which training college internship opportunities are available?
The Department of Correctional Services also lists internship opportunities at training colleges.
Kroonstad Training College
Information Technology
Reference Number: KSC 2026/06/10
Supply Chain Management
Reference Number: KSC 2026/06/11
Theology
Reference Number: KSC 2026/06/12
All listed Kroonstad Training College internships have a monthly stipend of R8 174.75.
Zonderwater Training College
Information Technology
Reference Number: ZWC 2026/06/13
Supply Chain Management
Reference Number: ZWC 2026/06/14
Theology
Reference Number: ZWC 2026/06/15
All listed Zonderwater Training College internships have a monthly stipend of R8 174.75.
Which regional internship opportunities are available?
The following regional internship opportunities are listed.
Gauteng Region
- Correctional Service Management, Ref No: GP 2026/06/16
- Occupational Health and Safety, Ref No: GP 2026/06/17
- Information Technology, Ref No: GP 2026/06/18
- Supply Chain Management, Ref No: GP 2026/06/19
- Agriculture, Ref No: GP 2026/06/20
- Kitchen / Bakery, Ref No: GP 2026/06/21
- Artisans, Ref No: GP 2026/06/22
Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Region
- Correctional Service Management, Ref No: LMN 2026/06/23
- Occupational Health and Safety, Ref No: LMN 2026/06/24
- Information Technology, Ref No: LMN 2026/06/25
- Supply Chain Management, Ref No: LMN 2026/06/26
- Agriculture, Ref No: LMN 2026/06/27
- Kitchen / Bakery, Ref No: LMN 2026/06/28
- Artisans, Ref No: LMN 2026/06/29
- Clothing and Textile, Ref No: LMN 2026/06/30
Western Cape Region
- Correctional Service Management, Ref No: WC 2026/06/31
- Occupational Health and Safety, Ref No: WC 2026/06/32
- Information Technology, Ref No: WC 2026/06/33
- Supply Chain Management, Ref No: WC 2026/06/34
- Agriculture, Ref No: WC 2026/06/35
- Kitchen / Bakery, Ref No: WC 2026/06/36
- Artisans, Ref No: WC 2026/06/37
Eastern Cape Region
- Correctional Service Management, Ref No: EC 2026/06/38
- Occupational Health and Safety, Ref No: EC 2026/06/39
- Information Technology, Ref No: WC 2026/06/40
- Supply Chain Management, Ref No: WC 2026/06/41
- Kitchen / Bakery, Ref No: WC 2026/06/42
- Artisans, Ref No: WC 2026/06/43
KwaZulu-Natal Region
- Correctional Service Management, Ref No: KZN 2026/06/44
- Occupational Health and Safety, Ref No: KZN 2026/06/45
- Information Technology, Ref No: KZN 2026/06/46
- Supply Chain Management, Ref No: KZN 2026/06/47
- Kitchen / Bakery, Ref No: KZN 2026/06/48
- Artisans, Ref No: KZN 2026/06/49
Free State and Northern Cape Region
- Correctional Service Management, Ref No: FS/NC 2026/06/50
- Occupational Health and Safety, Ref No: FS/NC 2026/06/51
- Information Technology, Ref No: FS/NC 2026/06/52
- Supply Chain Management, Ref No: FS/NC 2026/06/53
- Kitchen / Bakery, Ref No: FS/NC 2026/06/54
- Artisans, Ref No: FS/NC 2026/06/55
All listed regional internships have a monthly stipend of R8 174.75.
What qualifications are required for each field?
Applicants must meet the qualification requirements for the field they are applying for.
Correctional Service Management requires a National Diploma or Degree in one of the following:
- Correctional Services Management
- Correctional Sciences
- Penology
- Criminology
- Security Management
Occupational Health and Safety requires a National Diploma or Degree in:
- Safety Management
- Environment
Information Technology requires a National Diploma or Degree in Information Technology.
Supply Chain Management requires a National Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management.
Agriculture requires a National Diploma or Degree in:
- Animal Production
- Plant Production
- Horticulture
Kitchen / Bakery requires a National Diploma or Degree in:
- Food and Consumer Science
- Food Technology
Artisans require a National Diploma, Degree or Trade Certificate in:
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Brick Laying
- Welding
- Motor Mechanic
- Upholstery
- Carpentry
- Fitting
Clothing and Textile requires a National Diploma or Degree in:
- Pattern Making
- Clothing Design
How should applicants submit their applications?
Applications must be submitted using the official Z83 application form, which is obtainable from any Public Service department.
Applicants can also use this guide to download and complete the new Z83 form correctly.
Only a detailed curriculum vitae should be attached to the application form.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and related documents on or before the day of the interview.
Applicants must submit a separate and complete application for each internship they apply for.
The correct reference number must be stated for each position.
For emailed applications, applicants must indicate the correct reference number in the subject line.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Do not use one rushed application for every field. Match your curriculum vitae to the specific reference number and qualification requirement. If you apply for Supply Chain Management, your application should clearly show supply chain-related studies, skills and experience. If you apply for Information Technology, make your technical skills easy to find.
Where should applications be sent?
Applicants must use the correct email address, hand delivery address or postal address for the relevant office or region.
National Head Office
Email: HQHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand Delivery:
124 WF Nkomo Street
Poyntons Building
Corner WF Nkomo and Sophie De Bruyn Street
Pretoria
0001
Postal Address:
Department of Correctional Services
Post Advertisement Section
Private Bag X136
Pretoria
0001
Gauteng Region
Email: GPHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand Delivery:
1077 Forum East Building
Arcadia Street
Hatfield
Postal Address:
The Regional Commissioner Gauteng
Recruitment Section
Private Bag X393
Pretoria
0001
Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Region
Email: LMNHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand Delivery:
Corner Johannes Ramokhoase and Paul Kruger Street
196 Masada Building
9th Floor
Pretoria
0001
Postal Address:
The Regional Commissioner Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West
Recruitment Section
Private Bag X142
Pretoria
0001
Western Cape Region
Email: WCHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand Delivery:
Peninsula Drive
Monte Vista
7460
Postal Address:
The Regional Commissioner Western Cape
Recruitment Section
Private Bag X14
Goodwood
7459
Eastern Cape Region
Email: ECHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand Delivery:
Moore Street
Block E Ocean Terrace
Quigney
East London
5211
Postal Address:
The Regional Commissioner Eastern Cape
Recruitment Section
Private Bag X9013
East London
KwaZulu-Natal Region
Email: KZNHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand Delivery:
Correctional Services
Eugene Marais Road
Napierville
Pietermaritzburg
3201
Postal Address:
The Regional Commissioner KwaZulu-Natal
Recruitment Section
Private Bag X9126
Pietermaritzburg
3201
Free State and Northern Cape Region
Email: FSNCHRD@dcs.gov.za
Hand Delivery:
103 Zastron Street
Agrimed Building
Bloemfontein
9300
Postal Address:
The Regional Commissioner Free State and Northern Cape
Recruitment Section
Private Bag X20530
Bloemfontein
9300
Who can applicants contact for enquiries?
Applicants can use the following enquiry contacts.
National Head Office
Contact Persons: Ms Motsepe RS / Ms Mamosadi NM / Ms Boroko VM
Telephone: 012 307 2176 / 012 307 2078 / 012 305 8188
Gauteng Region
Contact Persons: Ms S. Mkuzangwe / Ms E. Mahlakoane
Telephone: 012 420 0146 / 76
Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Region
Contact Persons: Mr E. Nhlengethwa / Ms R. Ngobeni
Telephone: 012 306 2112
Western Cape Region
Contact Persons: Mr B De Kapoza / Ms N. Sigodi
Telephone: 021 550 6078
Eastern Cape Region
Contact Persons: Ms V. Gadu / Mr S. Mdani
Telephone: 043 706 7840
KwaZulu-Natal Region
Contact Persons: Mr A. Msomi / Mr S. Nyide
Telephone: 033 355 7300 / 7360
Free State and Northern Cape Region
Contact Persons: Mr R Dortley / Ms Feder E
Telephone: 051 404 0200 / 0288
What important notes should applicants remember?
Applications must be submitted before the closing date and time.
Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other supporting documents.
Applicants who have not been contacted within three months of the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The Department of Correctional Services may conduct security clearance, security vetting, qualification verification and criminal record verification.
Appointments will be provisional pending the issuing of security clearance.
The department reserves the right not to fill any advertised internship positions.
When is the closing date?
The closing date for the Department of Correctional Services Internships 2026 is 09 July 2026 at 15:45.
Applicants must make sure their applications reach the Department of Correctional Services before the closing date and time.
Late applications may not be accepted, even if the applicant meets all the requirements.
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Final Thoughts
The Department of Correctional Services Internships 2026 offer graduates a valuable chance to gain 24 months of public service workplace experience while receiving a monthly stipend of R8 174.75.
With opportunities across multiple fields and regions, applicants should carefully choose the correct reference number, complete the Z83 form properly and submit a detailed curriculum vitae before 09 July 2026 at 15:45.
A complete, accurate and well-targeted application can make a strong difference in a competitive internship process.