Important notice: The advertised closing date for the Free State Department of Human Settlements Graduate Internship Programme 2026 was 31 July 2026 at 16:00. This deadline has passed. The information below is provided for reference purposes, and applicants should check for a new or re-advertised opportunity before attempting to apply.
The Free State Department of Human Settlements advertised a Graduate Internship Programme for unemployed graduates seeking practical workplace experience in the public sector. The programme offered internship opportunities across several functional areas, including Information Technology, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Human Resources, Internal Audit, Corporate Communication, Planning and Administration.
Successful candidates were expected to enter into a 24-month internship contract and receive a monthly stipend of R8,174.75.
The programme was aimed at qualifying applicants who met the requirements for their chosen internship, were unemployed and had not previously participated in a Public Service Internship Programme.
Although the advertised deadline has passed, this guide provides a detailed breakdown of the opportunities, qualifications, application requirements and contact information contained in the original advert.
Free State Human Settlements Graduate Internship Programme 2026: At a Glance
| Programme detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Department | Free State Department of Human Settlements |
| Programme | Graduate Internship Programme 2026 |
| Programme duration | 24 months |
| Monthly stipend | R8,174.75 |
| Main location | Bloemfontein, Free State |
| Other locations | Thabo Mofutsanyana District, Fezile Dabi District and QwaQwa |
| Target applicants | Eligible unemployed graduates |
| General education requirement | Grade 12 plus a relevant NQF Level 6 or Level 7 qualification, depending on the post |
| Citizenship and residency | South African citizens originating and residing in the Free State |
| Previous internship requirement | Applicants must never have participated in a Public Service Internship Programme |
| Original closing date | 31 July 2026 at 16:00 |
| Current application status | Advertised deadline has passed |
| Application email listed in advert | recruit@fshs.gov.za |
Please note: The advert does not confirm that the department has reopened applications. The email address and delivery details below are reproduced for reference and should not be treated as confirmation that late applications will be accepted.
About the Free State Department of Human Settlements Internship Programme
The Free State Department of Human Settlements advertised internships across a range of professional and administrative functions. These opportunities were intended for qualifying graduates who wanted to gain experience in a government department.
The programme covered different areas of work, allowing graduates with qualifications in fields such as Information Technology, Finance, Law, Human Resources, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, Planning and Communication to identify positions aligned with their studies.
Depending on the placement, interns could gain exposure to departmental administration, financial processes, information technology, human resource functions, housing development and planning, procurement-related activities or other areas specified in the advert.
The original advertisement listed 24 post categories, with some categories offering more than one position.
Monthly Stipend and Internship Duration
Successful candidates were advertised to receive a stipend of R8,174.75 per month for the duration of a 24-month contract.
This is a fixed-term internship opportunity rather than a permanent appointment. Applicants should therefore understand that completing the programme does not automatically guarantee permanent employment with the department.
The advert also stated that successful candidates would be expected to sign a performance agreement within three months of appointment and undergo security clearance three months after appointment.
General Eligibility Requirements
Before choosing a position, applicants needed to meet the general eligibility conditions in the original advertisement.
Applicants were required to:
- Be South African citizens originating and residing in the Free State.
- Be unemployed at the time of application.
- Have never participated in a Public Service Internship Programme.
- Have Grade 12.
- Hold the relevant qualification at NQF Level 6 or NQF Level 7, depending on the internship.
- Have basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles, as stated in the individual post requirements.
- Submit the prescribed application documents in accordance with the original advert.
Important: Having a qualification alone was not sufficient. Applicants also needed to satisfy the citizenship, residency, unemployment and previous-internship conditions.
The qualification requirements varied by position. Read the post descriptions below carefully before deciding which category matches your qualification.
Available Internship Positions and Qualifications
The following opportunities were listed in the original advertisement. All positions carried the advertised monthly stipend of R8,174.75 and a 24-month contract, unless the department specifies otherwise in a future advertisement.
1. Graduate Internship: Administrators – Affordable Housing
Reference number: HS 01/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Public Administration, Office Administration or an equivalent field.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Ms L. Sefuli – 063 684 0482
This internship was aimed at graduates with relevant administrative qualifications who were interested in working in the Affordable Housing area.
2. Graduate Internship: Rental Tribunal
Reference number: HS 02/2026
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 7 qualification in Law, LLB or an equivalent field.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Ms O. Seate – 060 991 9099
This opportunity was intended for qualifying law graduates interested in gaining exposure to the Rental Tribunal environment.
3. Graduate Internship: Administrator – Rental Tribunal
Reference number: HS 03/2026
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Public Administration or an equivalent field.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Ms O. Seate – 060 991 9099
This position was suited to graduates with administrative qualifications relevant to the department’s Rental Tribunal functions.
4. Graduate Internship: Informal Settlements and Land Tenure – Law
Reference number: HS 04/2026
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 7 qualification in Law or LLB.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Ms M. Hleli – 084 403 9360
5. Graduate Internship: Informal Settlements and Land Tenure – Planning and Development
Reference number: HS 05/2026
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 7 qualification in Urban and Regional Planning, Spatial Planning, Human Settlements, Development Studies or Geography.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Ms M. Hleli – 084 403 9360
This category was intended for graduates whose studies aligned with planning, land tenure, human settlements or development-related fields.
6. Graduate Internship: Housing Development and Planning
Reference number: HS 06/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 7 qualification in Urban Planning, Town and Regional Planning or Development Studies.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Mr TJ Kumalo – 066 486 5393
7. Graduate Internship: Supply Chain Management – Asset Management
Reference number: HS 07/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Public Administration, Supply Chain Management or Financial Management.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Ms N. Hokoane – 066 486 5402
8. Graduate Internship: Supply Chain Management – Bid Administration and Logistics Management
Reference number: HS 08/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Public Administration, Supply Chain Management or Financial Management.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Ms K. Mthembu – 062 024 3858
9. Graduate Internship: Supply Chain Management – Demand and Performance Management
Reference number: HS 09/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Public Administration, Supply Chain Management or Financial Management.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Ms B. Helepi – 073 315 3109
The three Supply Chain Management categories offered different areas of exposure. Applicants needed to use the correct reference number for the specific category they intended to pursue.
10. Graduate Internship: Information Technology
Reference number: HS 10/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Information Technology or Computer Systems and Networks.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Ms M. Rapulungoane – 071 674 0372
This opportunity was relevant to graduates who had studied Information Technology, Computer Systems and Networks or a qualification matching the stated requirements.
11. Graduate Internship: Organisational Development
Reference number: HS 11/2026
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Human Resources Management, Operations Management or Public Management.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Mr Z. Koekoe – 060 971 5192
12. Graduate Internship: Financial and Budget Management – Salaries and Tax
Reference number: HS 12/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Accounting or Financial Management.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Mr F. Labuschagne – 066 486 5361
13. Graduate Internship: Financial and Budget Management – Financial Control
Reference number: HS 13/2026
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Accounting or Financial Management.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Mr K. Mahamotse – 065 300 2031
14. Graduate Internship: Financial and Budget Management – Payment Authorisation
Reference number: HS 14/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Accounting or Financial Management.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Mr A. Sishuba – 082 628 4848
15. Graduate Internship: Financial and Budget Management – Office of the Director
Reference number: HS 15/2026
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Accounting or Financial Management.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Mr T. Kotjomela – 079 122 2554
The Financial and Budget Management opportunities were divided into different functional areas. Applicants needed to select the category that matched the relevant advert and reference number.
16. Graduate Internship: Internal Audit
Reference number: HS 16/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Internal Auditing or Financial Information Systems.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Mr O. Themba – 066 486 8592
17. Graduate Internship: Skills Development
Reference number: HS 17/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Human Resources Management or Development.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Ms K. Thoabala – 079 211 2525
18. Graduate Internship: Human Resources Management
Reference number: HS 18/2026
Number of posts: 3
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Human Resources Management, Public Administration or Management.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Mr P. Soke – 066 477 4508
19. Graduate Internship: Corporate Communication
Reference number: HS 19/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Corporate Communication or Media Studies.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Ms Z. Mbewu – 060 976 8683
20. Graduate Internship: Labour Relations
Reference number: HS 20/2026
Number of posts: 2
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Labour Relations or Human Resources Management.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Ms N. Leoela – 076 521 1421
21. Graduate Internship: Project Management Unit – Thabo Mofutsanyana District
Reference number: HS 21/2026
Location: Thabo Mofutsanyana District
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related technical field.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Mr M. Mohloki – 073 793 2790
22. Graduate Internship: Project Management Unit – Fezile Dabi District
Reference number: HS 22/2026
Location: Fezile Dabi District
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related technical field.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Mr D. Maduna – 079 188 8446
The two Project Management Unit categories were listed for different districts. Applicants should not confuse their reference numbers or locations.
23. Graduate Internship: Office Administration
Reference number: HS 23/2026
Location: Thabo Mofutsanyana District – QwaQwa
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Office Administration or Management.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Mr M. Mohloki – 073 793 2790
24. Graduate Internship: Security Management and Anti-Corruption
Reference number: HS 24/2026
Location: Bloemfontein
Minimum requirements:
- Grade 12.
- An NQF Level 6 qualification in Policing or Forensic Analysis.
- Basic knowledge of government prescripts and principles.
Enquiries: Mr K.I. Motitsoe – 062 298 0900
This category was intended for candidates whose qualifications aligned with policing, forensic analysis or the stated security-related requirements.
How to Apply: Original Application Instructions
Applications for this advertisement closed on 31 July 2026 at 16:00. The instructions in this section describe the original process and do not mean late applications are accepted.
The department instructed applicants to submit the prescribed documents using the following process.
Step 1: Complete the new Z83 application form
Applicants were required to use the new Z83 form. The advert stated that older versions would not be considered.
The form needed to be fully completed, signed and initialled. Applicants also needed to provide the correct job title, office and reference number for the position.
The advert indicated that the form could be obtained from a Public Service Department or downloaded through the Department of Public Service and Administration vacancies page:
www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa/vacancies.asp
Step 2: Prepare a comprehensive CV
The original advert required a recent, comprehensive CV with contactable referees. Applicants were instructed to include their referees’ telephone numbers and email addresses.
The advert stated that certified copies of qualifications and other supporting documents would be requested from shortlisted candidates on or before the interview, following communication from Human Resources Management.
Applicants with foreign qualifications were required to provide an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Step 3: Use the advertised submission method
The original advert listed three submission options.
Email applications
Email: recruit@fshs.gov.za
Applicants were instructed to specify the post name and reference number in the email subject line.
Hand-delivered applications
Applications were to be delivered to the foyer of OR Tambo House, St Andrews Street, Bloemfontein, and placed in the appropriately marked security box on the ground floor.
The advert stated that applications would not be accepted by staff inside the offices.
Postal applications
Head: Human Resource Management Directorate
Human Settlements
P.O. Box 247
Bloemfontein
9300
The department did not accept applications by fax.
Again, these are the original advert’s submission details. Because the deadline has passed, candidates should first establish whether the department has issued a new advertisement before submitting personal documents.
Important Documents and Selection Conditions
The department outlined several conditions for the original recruitment process.
- The Z83 form had to be fully completed, signed and initialled.
- The correct job title, office and reference number had to be included.
- A recent, comprehensive CV with contactable referees was required.
- Shortlisted candidates would be asked for certified qualifications and related documents.
- Foreign qualifications required a SAQA evaluation certificate.
- Candidates could be subjected to criminal record, financial, qualification, reference and employment checks.
- Successful candidates would sign a 24-month employment contract.
- A performance agreement was required within three months of appointment.
- Security clearance was required three months after appointment.
The department stated that correspondence would be limited to shortlisted candidates and reserved the right not to make appointments.
The original advert further indicated that candidates who had not been contacted within four months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Free State Department of Human Settlements Graduate Internship Programme 2026 still open?
No. The closing date in the supplied advertisement was 31 July 2026 at 16:00. That date has passed. The advert does not confirm that applications have reopened.
How much was the monthly stipend?
The advertised stipend was R8,174.75 per month.
How long was the internship?
The programme was advertised as a 24-month contract.
Could applicants from other provinces apply?
The original advert stated that applicants had to be South African citizens originating and residing in the Free State. Candidates from other provinces should not assume they qualified under those conditions.
Could someone who had completed a previous Public Service Internship apply?
The advert stated that applicants must never have participated in a Public Service Internship Programme previously.
What qualification was required?
The requirement depended on the position. Most listed categories required Grade 12 plus a relevant NQF Level 6 or NQF Level 7 qualification. Applicants needed to check the specific requirements for their chosen reference number.
Were Grade 12-only applicants eligible?
The listed graduate internship posts generally required a relevant post-school qualification in addition to Grade 12. A Grade 12 certificate alone would not meet the stated qualification requirements for these positions.
What was the application email address?
The original advertisement listed recruit@fshs.gov.za. However, the closing date has passed, and this email address should not be interpreted as confirmation that late applications will be accepted.
Does completing an internship guarantee a permanent job?
No such guarantee was stated in the advertisement. The programme was advertised as a fixed-term internship lasting 24 months.
Final Advice for Job Seekers
The Free State Department of Human Settlements Graduate Internship Programme 2026 covered a wide range of study fields, including IT, Finance, Law, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, Internal Audit, Communication and Planning. It was advertised with a monthly stipend of R8,174.75 and a 24-month contract.
However, the original closing date of 31 July 2026 has passed. Applicants should not spend time preparing an application on the assumption that the programme is still accepting submissions. Check the department’s official vacancy announcements or a new government vacancy notice to confirm whether any positions have been re-advertised.
Job seekers can also continue preparing a current CV, keeping qualification documents ready and monitoring other graduate internship opportunities that match their field of study.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the supplied vacancy advertisement. Moja Mzansi is sharing the details for informational purposes and does not recruit on behalf of the department. Vacancy details, eligibility conditions and application status should be confirmed against an official, current advertisement. No application fee is stated in the supplied advert; never pay an individual who promises to secure a government internship for you.
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