The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) has officially opened applications for the 2026–2028 Skills Development Learning Programme, offering internship opportunities and in-service training for unemployed South African graduates and TVET N6 students. With monthly allowances ranging from R6 659 to R7 860, the programme is one of the most attractive public-sector development opportunities for youth entering the job market.
Applications close on 05 December 2025 at 16:30, and shortlisted candidates will begin training in 2026 at the DPME head office in Pretoria.
Quick Overview for Applicants
- Programme: DPME Internship & In-Service Training (2026–2028)
- Monthly Allowance: R6 659 – R7 860
- Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
- Who Can Apply: Unemployed graduates and TVET N6 students
- Duration: 24 months
- Closing Date: 05 December 2025
- Submission Methods: Email, postal delivery, or hand delivery
- Compliance: Signed Z83 + CV + correct reference number
About the DPME Skills Development Programme
The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is responsible for assessing government performance, coordinating national planning, and ensuring effective service delivery. The department’s internship and training programme forms part of its strategy to develop future public-sector specialists in:
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Social development planning
- Legal advisory services
- Economic policy and SOE reform
- Administration and office management
The programme runs for 24 months, providing structured work exposure, mentorship, professional training, and real-world experience within the public sector.
The DPME also reinforces its commitment to Employment Equity, strongly encouraging young people, women, and persons with disabilities to apply.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To be considered for the programme, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be unemployed at the time of application
- Have never participated in any government internship, learnership, or in-service training
- Meet the qualification requirements for the position
- Be willing to undergo screening such as:
- Security vetting
- Qualification verification
- Criminal record checks
- Be available for interviews and assessments
Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA before applying.
How to Prepare Your Application
Applicants must submit the following:
1. A fully completed and signed Z83 form
This must include the correct reference number for the post you are applying for.
Useful Links:
2. A comprehensive CV
Your CV must list:
- Personal details
- Contact numbers
- Education history
- Relevant training
- Three contactable references (names, positions, and phone numbers)
3. Supporting documents
These must NOT be submitted at application stage. Certified copies will only be requested from shortlisted candidates.
Incorrect or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Where to Submit Your Application
You may submit your application through postal delivery, hand delivery, or email.
Postal Address
Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
Private Bag X944
Pretoria
0028
Hand Delivery Address
330 Grosvenor Street
Hatfield
Pretoria
0028
Email Submission (Per Reference Number)
Applications must be emailed to the correct address according to the post you are applying for:
| Position / Directorate | Reference | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Services | DPME/2025/01 | Recruitmentintern01@dpme.gov.za |
| National Planning Coordination Secretariat (Social) | DPME/2025/02 | Recruitmentintern02@dpme.gov.za |
| Sector & Monitoring Services Branch | DPME/2025/03 | Recruitmentintern03@dpme.gov.za |
| State-Owned Enterprises Reform Branch | DPME/2025/04 | Recruitmentintern04@dpme.gov.za |
Internship and In-Service Training Opportunities for 2026
The DPME has announced four positions for the 2026 intake. Each role offers structured mentorship and hands-on experience aligned with the department’s strategic functions.
1. Intern: Corporate Services – Legal Services (X1)
Reference: DPME/2025/01
Location: Pretoria
Allowance: R7 860.50 per month
Minimum Qualification: LLB or BA (Law)
This internship provides hands-on exposure to legal compliance, policy support, contract analysis, and general legal advisory functions within the department.
2. Intern: National Planning Coordination Secretariat – Social (X1)
Reference: DPME/2025/02
Location: Pretoria
Allowance: R7 860.50 per month
Minimum Qualification: Degree in Social Sciences, Education, or Health Sciences
Ideal for graduates interested in social policy development, national planning frameworks, and data analysis.
3. Intern: State-Owned Enterprises Reform Branch (X1)
Reference: DPME/2025/04
Location: Pretoria
Allowance: R7 860.50 per month
Minimum Qualification: Degree in Economics, Finance, or Accounting
This role exposes interns to economic oversight, governance, and performance analysis of key State-Owned Enterprises.
4. In-Service Training / Internship: Sector & Monitoring Services (X1)
Reference: DPME/2025/03
Location: Pretoria
Allowance:
- N6 In-Service: R6 659.25
- Degree Internship: R7 860.50
Requirements:
- N6 Certificate in Office Management, or
- Degree in Business Administration
This programme focuses on administration, reporting, document management, and evaluation support within the Sector Monitoring unit.
Why This Programme Matters for Youth Employment
Government internships remain one of the strongest entry points for young professionals seeking credible experience.
The DPME programme offers:
- Direct exposure to public-sector operations
- Professional mentorship from senior managers
- Hands-on training in policy, planning, and evaluation
- Work experience that strengthens employability
- A stable monthly allowance
- A 24-month programme period — longer than most internship opportunities
This makes the programme ideal for graduates who want to build long-term careers in public administration, research, development planning, or policy analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply if I am currently employed?
No. Only unemployed applicants qualify.
2. Can I apply if I previously did an internship in another government department?
No. Applicants must not have participated in any public-sector internship, learnership, or in-service training.
3. Are TVET N6 students eligible?
Yes. Students requiring 18 months of workplace experience can apply for the in-service training post.
4. Can I apply for multiple positions?
Yes, but each application must be submitted separately using the correct reference number and email address.
5. Will the department request certified documents?
Yes, but only if you are shortlisted.
6. What is the closing date?
Applications close 05 December 2025 at 16:30.
Final Note
The DPME Skills 2026 Learning Programme offers an excellent opportunity for young South Africans to gain practical experience in government, develop key professional skills, and improve their chances of long-term employment in the public sector. If you meet the requirements, ensure your application is submitted on time and includes all mandatory documents.
