The South African Social Security Agency is recruiting TVET graduates for its 2026 Work Integrated Learning Programme, offering successful candidates an 18-month placement and an all-inclusive stipend of R5,860.25 per month. Applications close on 13 August 2026.
The latest intake provides two opportunities at SASSA in East London. One placement is available in Information and Communication Technology, while the second falls under Human Capital Management. Both opportunities target applicants with relevant N6 qualifications who still need practical workplace experience.
Applicants must be South African citizens between 18 and 35 years old and must hold the relevant N6 National Certificate or Statement of Results. Therefore, TVET graduates who need workplace exposure to progress towards their National Diploma should pay close attention to the qualification attached to each placement.
Which SASSA Work Integrated Learning opportunities are available?
SASSA has advertised two placements, with one candidate required for each field. Although both form part of the same Work Integrated Learning intake, applicants must choose the opportunity that matches their academic background.
The available opportunities are:
- Information and Communication Technology – Reference SAS 43/2026: Applicants need an N6 National Certificate or N6 Statement of Results in Information Technology or Library Information Science.
- Human Capital Management – Reference SAS 44/2026: Applicants need an N6 National Certificate or N6 Statement of Results in Human Resources Management or Public Management.
Candidates should use the correct reference number throughout the application process because SASSA uses these references to identify the placement being requested.
Who qualifies for the SASSA programme?
The programme specifically targets young South African TVET graduates who need practical experience linked to their studies.
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Hold the relevant N6 National Certificate or Statement of Results.
- Choose a placement that matches their qualification.
- Be available for the full 18-month programme.
Because qualification matching forms part of the eligibility criteria, candidates should avoid submitting an application for a field unrelated to their N6 studies.
How much will successful candidates receive each month?
Successful participants will receive an all-inclusive stipend of R5,860.25 per month throughout the programme, subject to the conditions of their appointment.
The placement runs for 18 months, giving participants an extended period to gain practical experience related to their TVET studies.
For many N6 graduates, this workplace component is particularly important because Work Integrated Learning can provide the practical exposure needed to move towards completion of a National Diploma.
Why could this programme matter for N6 graduates?
Completing N6 classroom studies does not always mark the end of the TVET qualification journey. Many students still need relevant workplace experience before they can satisfy the practical requirements connected to their National Diploma.
Therefore, the SASSA programme creates an opportunity to connect theoretical training with daily workplace responsibilities.
Participants may gain exposure to areas such as:
- Professional workplace communication.
- Administrative systems and procedures.
- Public-sector operations.
- Record keeping and document management.
- Working within professional teams.
- Applying N6 knowledge in a practical environment.
- Building experience for a stronger curriculum vitae.
Moreover, an 18-month placement gives successful candidates considerably more time to develop practical confidence than a short-term workplace exposure programme.
What should Information and Communication Technology applicants know?
The Information and Communication Technology placement carries reference number SAS 43/2026 and has one available position.
Applicants need an N6 qualification or Statement of Results in:
- Information Technology; or
- Library Information Science.
Importantly, candidates who previously applied for this specific Information and Communication Technology opportunity are instructed not to reapply.
Applicants should therefore check whether they participated in the earlier recruitment round before preparing another submission.
What applies to the Human Capital Management placement?
The Human Capital Management opportunity carries reference number SAS 44/2026, also with one available position.
Candidates need an N6 National Certificate or Statement of Results in:
- Human Resources Management; or
- Public Management.
Unlike the Information and Communication Technology placement, the Human Capital Management opportunity is a re-advertisement. Candidates who applied previously are specifically asked to submit a new application.
That distinction is important because following the wrong instruction could affect an otherwise eligible candidate.
Does SASSA encourage applications from persons with disabilities?
Yes. SASSA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, while the advertised placements also include employment equity considerations designed to improve representation.
For the Information and Communication Technology opportunity, appointment preference applies to African male, African female and Coloured female candidates.
For Human Capital Management, preference applies to African male, Coloured male and African female candidates.
However, applicants should still concentrate first on meeting the qualification, citizenship, age and programme requirements.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Pay close attention to the reference number before submitting your documents. SAS 43/2026 and SAS 44/2026 represent different qualification streams, while the reapplication instructions also differ. A strong application can still fail if it is submitted under the wrong reference or does not follow the advertised instructions.
Which documents should applicants prepare?
Candidates should prepare their application documents carefully because incomplete submissions can create unnecessary problems during screening.
The advertised application requirements include:
- A fully completed and signed latest Z83 Application for Employment form.
- A detailed curriculum vitae.
- Copies of relevant qualifications.
- A copy of a South African identity document.
- Any additional supporting documents required for the chosen placement.
Applicants who need help completing the government application form can use this new Z83 form download and completion guide before preparing their submission.
Candidates with foreign qualifications are responsible for obtaining an evaluation from the South African Qualifications Authority where applicable.
How must applications be submitted?
This recruitment process does not accept applications by email. Instead, candidates must submit their documents by post, hand delivery or through the relevant SASSA office in the Eastern Cape.
Postal applications should be addressed to:
Attention: Human Capital Management
SASSA
Private Bag X9001
Chiselhurst
East London
5200
Alternatively, candidates can hand-deliver applications to:
SASSA Offices – KKB Building
Corner Fitzpatrick & Merino Road
Quigney
East London
Eastern Cape
Applications may also be submitted at the nearest SASSA office within the Eastern Cape.
Candidates must clearly quote SAS 43/2026 for Information and Communication Technology or SAS 44/2026 for Human Capital Management.
What checks could shortlisted candidates face?
Applicants who reach the shortlisting stage may undergo verification and security processes before an appointment is finalised.
These may include:
- Qualification verification.
- Information Technology Credit checks.
- Criminal-record checks.
- Security vetting.
Consequently, applicants should ensure that all information supplied in their curriculum vitae and supporting documentation is accurate.
Meeting the minimum requirements also does not automatically guarantee an appointment.
When do SASSA applications close?
Applications must reach SASSA by 13 August 2026.
Because applications are being handled through physical delivery and postal channels rather than email, candidates should take the deadline seriously.
Those using postal delivery should factor in delivery time, while applicants who can hand-deliver their documents should still avoid leaving the submission until the final day.
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Final Thoughts
The SASSA TVET Work Integrated Learning Programme 2026 offers two N6 graduates the chance to spend 18 months developing practical workplace experience while receiving an all-inclusive R5,860.25 monthly stipend.
Information and Communication Technology applicants need an N6 qualification in Information Technology or Library Information Science, while Human Capital Management applicants need Human Resources Management or Public Management.
Most importantly, candidates must be South African citizens aged 18 to 35, select the opportunity that matches their qualification and submit their documents correctly by 13 August 2026.
For TVET graduates who have completed N6 but still need practical experience, the programme could provide an important bridge between classroom learning and professional public-sector experience.
