The National Youth Service Programme has opened Phase 5 with 100,000 paid opportunities for young South Africans who want to serve their communities while gaining skills, income and practical experience. Participants will support community-based activities across all nine provinces.
This opportunity is aimed at unemployed youth between the ages of 18 and 35 who are ready to contribute positively to their local communities. The programme runs for 6 months or 384 hours and offers a stipend of R1,547 per month.
For young people who want to build work habits, gain service experience and support local development, this programme offers a practical way to answer the call.
What Is The National Youth Service Phase 5 Programme About?
The National Youth Service Phase 5 Programme is a community-based service opportunity for unemployed young people.
It gives participants a chance to take part in meaningful local activities that support national development.
The programme is not only about earning a stipend. It is also about building skills, gaining experience and contributing to community improvement.
Participants will work in areas where support is needed, depending on local programme sites and available placements.
How Many Opportunities Are Available?
There are 100,000 National Youth Service opportunities available in Phase 5.
These opportunities are offered nationally across all nine provinces.
Because the programme is community-based, applicants should look for opportunities linked to their local municipality or nearby programme sites.
Who Should Consider This Opportunity?
This opportunity may suit unemployed young people who want to gain practical experience while serving their communities.
It is especially relevant for youth who are not currently in education, employment or training.
Applicants should also be able to travel easily to the programme site and commit to completing the required service hours.
A strong candidate should be reliable, community-minded and ready to participate in activities that benefit others.
What Are The Selection Criteria?
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Must live within the local municipality or community where the programme site is located
- Must be able to travel easily to the implementing partner’s site
- Preference may be given to unemployed youth not in education, employment or training
- Must be able to contribute positively to the community
- Must complete the programme to a high standard
- Must not have participated in previous phases of the programme
- People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Applicants should make sure their profile and CV are complete before submitting an application.
What Type Of Community Activities Are Included?
Participants may support different community service activities.
These may include:
- Sports and recreation
- Community works, revitalisation and greening
- Learner support programmes
- Early childhood development
- Food security and nutrition
- Arts, culture and entertainment
- Social support services, solidarity and care
- Surveys and digital mapping
- Youth voter education
These activities are designed to support local communities while helping young people build useful skills.
How Long Does The Programme Run?
The programme runs for 6 months.
Participants are expected to complete 384 hours during the programme.
This means applicants should be ready to commit their time and attend as required.
Consistent participation will be important for completing the programme successfully.
What Stipend Will Participants Receive?
Participants will receive R24.18 per hour.
The programme is based on 64 working hours per month.
This equals a monthly stipend of R1,547.
Applicants should still plan carefully for transport and personal costs, especially if the programme site is not within walking distance.
Why Could This Programme Be Valuable?
Many unemployed young people need a starting point to build experience.
This programme can help create that starting point.
Participants can gain practical community service experience, improve their confidence and learn how to work with others.
In addition, the programme may help young people develop discipline, communication skills and a stronger sense of responsibility.
For youth who want to serve while gaining income and experience, Phase 5 offers a meaningful opportunity.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Before applying, make sure your online profile and CV are fully updated. Add your correct address, phone number, education details, skills, previous volunteering experience and any community work you have done. Opportunities are linked to nearby sites, so your location details must be accurate.
Where Are The Opportunities Available?
The programme is available nationally across all nine provinces.
Applicants should search for opportunities near the address listed on their profile.
If no opportunities appear immediately, applicants can search for NYS in the search box on the official application portal.
Because opportunities are linked to local sites, availability may differ by area.
What Should Applicants Prepare Before Applying?
Before applying, applicants should make sure their profile is complete.
Important details include:
- Valid South African ID details
- Correct residential address
- Updated contact number
- Updated education history
- Skills and experience
- Complete CV information
- Any community service or volunteering experience
- Disability information, where applicable
A complete profile can make it easier to match applicants with nearby opportunities.
How Can Applicants Strengthen Their Application?
Applicants should show that they are ready to serve and learn.
Helpful details to include on a CV or profile may include:
- Community involvement
- Volunteering experience
- Sports or youth leadership
- Care work experience
- Early childhood development interest
- Digital skills
- Communication skills
- Teamwork experience
- Availability to participate
- Willingness to travel locally
Even small examples can help.
For example, helping at a school, church, sports club, community group or local project can show responsibility and commitment.
What Should Applicants Check Before Submitting?
Before submitting, check that your profile is complete.
Make sure your address is correct because opportunities are linked to nearby programme sites.
Also check that your contact number is active.
Then review your CV details and make sure your education, skills and experience are updated.
Finally, confirm that you have not participated in previous phases of the programme.
How Do You Submit Your Application?
Applications must be completed through the official online application portal.
Applicants who already have a profile can log in using their existing details.
Applicants who do not have a profile should register first. The registration process takes only a few minutes, and no data is needed to access the portal.
After registration, nearby opportunities should appear based on the address provided. If no opportunities appear, search for NYS in the search box and follow the instructions on the opportunity card.
For support, applicants can call the toll-free support line:
0800 72 72 72
Support is available Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
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Final Thoughts
The National Youth Service Phase 5 Programme offers 100,000 paid community service opportunities for unemployed young people across South Africa.
With a 6-month duration, a monthly stipend of R1,547 and activities linked to community development, the programme gives youth a chance to gain experience while making a positive local impact.
For applicants aged 18 to 35 who are ready to serve, learn and contribute, this opportunity is worth serious attention.
