Have you considered starting your professional career through meaningful opportunities? eThekwini Municipality provides multiple 2025/2026 Internships Work Experience Programmes which span various academic fields.
Students and recent graduates in South Africa can take advantage of this important opportunity to obtain practical experience and build workplace skills while enhancing their CVs at one of South Africa’s bustling urban centers. The programme exists to prepare students from Law, Engineering, Health Sciences and Finance to Humanities fields for their future success in competitive job markets.
What is the eThekwini Work Experience Programme?
Thekwini Work Experience Programme exists as a formal system which delivers employment-based learning for youth going into municipal government. This programme targets people who have finished or will finish their studies and need practical work experience to graduate or find work.
The programme matches students to departments which match their academic focus while providing practical guidance and support during their placements. The programme offers essential knowledge of municipal work operations alongside project oversight and public service practices which makes it an important career development opportunity for people pursuing government or business roles or civil society positions.
Available Disciplines for the 2025/2026 Intake
There are ten core fields available in the upcoming programme cycle, all based in eThekwini (Durban):
- Humanities
- Art and Design
- Law
- Health Sciences
- Management
- Engineering and the Built Environment
- Life Sciences
- Agriculture, Natural Sciences, and Environmental Studies
- Administration
- Finance and Economics
Each of these streams offers specialized exposure tailored to your academic background, ensuring that the experience is both practical and enriching.
Why You Should Apply
- Real-World Skills Development
You will develop practical experience through your field of work. Your learning will deepen while becoming job-ready because you will perform actual tasks that include legal research, financial modeling, environmental impact assessments and community healthcare initiatives.
- Networking Opportunities
The people you will work with provide mentorship and career guidance together with the possibility of job referrals. Municipal settings provide extensive sector-based relationships which allow you to access professional connections beyond your basic responsibilities.
- Enhanced Employability
Employers consistently look for candidates with relevant experience. The programme provides students with the experience they need to transition from education to employment while making them more competitive in the job market.
- Pathway to Full-Time Roles
There is no certainty but numerous previous interns have successfully transitioned into permanent positions within the municipality or related government entities.
5. Public Sector Insight
If you’re interested in public service, policy, or sustainable urban development, this is a golden opportunity to understand how local government really works.
Who is Eligible?
To be considered for the Work Experience Programme, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens residing in or near the eThekwini Metropolitan area.
- Have completed or be in the final year of a relevant tertiary qualification in one of the listed fields.
- Be seeking workplace experience as part of academic requirements or to improve employment prospects.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance, a commitment to public service, and the willingness to learn in a professional setting.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: 11 July 2025
To apply:
- Prepare your documents, including:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Proof of residence
- Updated CV
- Academic transcripts or results
- A short motivational letter explaining why you’re applying and what you hope to gain from the experience
- Submit your application through the official eThekwini Municipality careers portal or physical delivery to the appropriate municipal office if required.
Make sure to tailor your motivational letter to the field you’re applying for — this personal touch shows initiative and clarity of purpose.
Apply here for ethekwini municipality internships
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this a paid opportunity?
The programme is primarily focused on training and skills development. While stipends may be available depending on the department, this varies year to year.
Q: Do I need to be a resident of eThekwini?
Yes, preference is given to applicants who reside within the eThekwini Metro, as the programme is designed to uplift the local talent pool.
eThekwini Work Experience Programme for 2025/2026 is more than just a line on your CV — it’s a launchpad for your career. With diverse placement areas, mentorship, and real municipal projects, this is a rare chance to learn by doing, contribute to your community, and stand out in a crowded job market.
If you’re a recent graduate or final-year student looking to break into your industry, don’t miss this opportunity. Apply before 11 July 2025 and take the first confident step toward a fulfilling and impactful professional future.
