South Africa (IEC) Internship Opportunities 2025/2026
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is inviting applications for two paid internship positions, each lasting 24 months. These roles are based at the Eastern Cape Provincial Office in East London. The programme is designed for young graduates (aged 35 and under) seeking practical experience in public administration and electoral processes within a respected constitutional body (Chapter 9 institution).
The IEC Internship Programme 2025/2026 forms part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to youth development, skills transfer, and capacity building within South Africa’s democratic institutions. By offering structured workplace exposure, the programme aims to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and professional employment, particularly for graduates who have not yet had the opportunity to gain formal work experience.
South Africa (IEC) Internship Opportunities 2025/2026
This initiative is especially relevant in the context of South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate, where many qualified graduates struggle to enter the job market due to a lack of practical exposure. The IEC internship programme directly addresses this challenge by providing hands-on learning within a nationally respected organisation that plays a vital role in safeguarding democracy.
South Africa (IEC) Internship Opportunities 2025/2026
General Details:
- Reference Number: EC/2025/47822
- Division: Provincial – Office of the PEO
- Location: East London, Eastern Cape
- Duration: 24 months (Fixed-term contract)
- Monthly Allowance: R9,850.13
- Closing Date: 26 December 2025
South Africa (IEC) Internship Opportunities 2025/2026
For those who have not previously held a job or internship in their chosen field, this presents a significant opportunity to commence a rewarding career and play a part in South Africa’s democratic system.
The 24-month duration allows interns to gain in-depth exposure to public sector operations, policy implementation, governance structures, and administrative systems. The monthly allowance provides financial support, enabling interns to focus fully on skills development while participating in meaningful work that contributes to national governance.
South Africa (IEC) Internship Opportunities 2025/2026
Internship Opportunities Available
The IEC is offering two distinct internship streams under this programme, each tailored to different areas of interest and academic backgrounds. Both roles provide structured mentoring, supervised learning, and exposure to real operational environments.
South Africa (IEC) Internship Opportunities 2025/2026
1) Internship: Administration
- Reference Number: EC/2025/47822
- Division: Provincial – Office of the PEO
- Location: East London, Eastern Cape
- Duration: 24 months (Fixed-term contract)
- Monthly Allowance: R9,850.13
- Closing Date: 26 December 2025
South Africa (IEC) Internship Opportunities 2025/2026
What you’ll do:
- Arrange travel, accommodation, meetings, and various events.
- Support procurement procedures and general office management.
- Prepare correspondence and reports; gather and organize data.
- Record meeting discussions and manage records and filing systems.
- Handle all incoming and outgoing communications.
- Offer administrative assistance to the Provincial Electoral Officer (PEO).
This internship is ideal for graduates interested in office administration, governance support, coordination, and executive assistance. Interns will work closely with senior officials, gaining insight into decision-making processes and administrative compliance within a constitutional institution.
South Africa (IEC) Internship Opportunities 2025/2026
Minimum requirements:
- A Matriculation certificate / Grade 12 (or N3/NTC Level 4) is required, along with:
- A Bachelor’s degree or National Diploma in fields such as Project Management, Administration, Public Management, or Office Administration.
- Proficiency in computer applications (e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- An openness to learn new systems and travel as necessary.
South Africa (IEC) Internship Opportunities 2025/2026
2) Internship: Electoral Operations
- Reference Number: EC/2025/47821
- Division: Electoral Matters
- Location: East London, Eastern Cape
- Duration: 24 months (Fixed-term contract)
- Monthly Allowance: R9,850.13
- Closing Date: 26 December 2025
What you’ll do:
- Provide support for provincial electoral activities and initiatives.
- Help with the logistical arrangements for election supplies and gear.
- Assist in coordinating voter registration, by-elections, and the demarcation of voting stations.
- Oversee electoral projects and strategies to minimize risks.
- Generate detailed reports and support PPLC (Party Liaison Committee) meetings.
- Offer general administrative assistance within the Electoral Operations department.
This stream is particularly suited to graduates interested in governance, political systems, public administration, and electoral management. Interns will gain exposure to the operational backbone of elections, from planning and logistics to compliance and stakeholder engagement.
South Africa (IEC) Internship Opportunities 2025/2026
Minimum requirements:
- A Matriculation certificate / Grade 12 (or N3/NTC Level 4) is required, along with:
- A Bachelor’s degree or a 3-year National Diploma in Public Management, Public Administration, or Political Science.
- Proficiency in computer applications (e.g., MS Office suite).
- Effective communication skills (both written and spoken).
- Preparedness to travel within the local area.
- Applicants must be registered voters and possess familiarity with the Eastern Cape region.
South Africa (IEC) Internship Opportunities 2025/2026
Who Should Apply?
- South African citizens who are 35 years of age or younger.
- Graduates who have no prior work or internship experience in their field of study.
- Individuals without a prominent party-political affiliation.
- Applicants must agree to undergo necessary risk assessments, including qualification, criminal, and credit checks.
- Candidates with disabilities are highly encouraged to submit their applications.
The IEC is committed to employment equity and inclusivity, and welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds. The programme is designed to be developmental, making it particularly suitable for first-time entrants into the public sector.
How to Apply
Please prepare the following documents:
- A current, thorough Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copies of academic qualifications (dated within the last three months).
- A certified copy of your Identity Document (ID).
- A driver’s license, if relevant.
Please note: Applications that are incomplete or submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.
Applicants are advised to ensure that all documents are clearly legible and properly certified. It is recommended to submit applications well before the closing date to avoid technical delays.
Why Join the IEC Internship Programme?
- Acquire valuable, hands-on professional experience within a reputable constitutional body.
- Develop a strong understanding and foundation in public administration or electoral processes.
- Receive a monthly allowance while enhancing your professional capabilities.
- Directly contribute to upholding free, fair, and credible elections in South Africa.
Participation in this programme enhances employability by providing practical exposure, professional references, and a deeper understanding of governance systems. Many former interns have gone on to pursue careers in government departments, municipalities, public entities, and related fields.
If you possess a passion for public service and wish to contribute to South Africa’s democratic framework, ensure you apply for the IEC Eastern Cape Internship Programme 2025/2026 before the specified closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this internship permanent employment?
No. The programme is a 24-month fixed-term internship intended for skills development and work experience.
2. Is the internship paid?
Yes. Interns receive a monthly allowance of R9,850.13.
3. Can I apply if I have previous work experience?
The programme is primarily aimed at graduates who have not previously held a job or internship in their field.
4. Are people with disabilities allowed to apply?
Yes. Candidates with disabilities are highly encouraged to submit applications.
5. Will I be contacted if my application is unsuccessful?
Only shortlisted candidates are typically contacted.
6. Can I apply for both internship streams?
Applicants should carefully review the reference numbers and requirements when applying via the IEC careers portal.