The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has officially opened applications for its TVET and University Graduate Internship Programme for 2026, offering one of the most significant public-sector career opportunities currently available to unemployed South African youth. The programme provides paid, structured work experience across all nine provinces and the national office in Pretoria, targeting graduates who are eager to gain practical exposure in investigation support, public administration, compliance, governance, and oversight functions.IPID Internship Programme 2026: Across All Provinces
This initiative is more than a temporary placement. For many young professionals, the IPID Internship Programme has proven to be a career-shaping pathway into government service, criminal justice institutions, and long-term professional development within the public sector.
With unemployment among graduates remaining a national challenge, IPID’s 2026 intake stands out as a credible, well-structured intervention designed to bridge the gap between qualifications and real-world experience.
About the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate is a statutory body established to ensure independent oversight of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies. IPID investigates serious complaints against police, including misconduct, criminality, and deaths in custody, playing a critical role in strengthening accountability, transparency, and public trust in law enforcement.
Interns placed within IPID are exposed to the inner workings of a constitutionally significant institution, making this programme particularly valuable for graduates interested in public accountability, criminal justice, governance, and compliance.
Overview of the IPID Internship Programme 2026
Organisation: Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)
Programme Streams:
- TVET Internship Programme – 18 months
- University Graduate Internship Programme – 24 months
Location: All nine provinces and the National Office in Pretoria
Age Requirement: 18 to 35 years
Closing Date: 28 January 2026
Stipend:
- TVET Interns: R4,950 per month
- Graduate Interns: R6,050 per month
The programme is open to unemployed South African graduates who have never participated in a similar internship or graduate programme before.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be South African citizens
- Be unemployed at the time of application
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Have never participated in any government internship or graduate programme previously
- Meet the minimum qualification requirements for the relevant stream
Qualification Requirements
TVET Internship Stream:
- N6 Certificate (TVET)
Graduate Internship Stream:
- NQF Level 7 qualification (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
IPID applies affirmative action and employment equity principles in line with government policy.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- A completed new Z83 application form (older versions will result in automatic disqualification)
- A detailed and updated CV
- An affidavit confirming that the applicant has never participated in a similar internship or graduate programme
Important: Certified copies of qualifications must not be submitted at the application stage. Only shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide supporting documents.
TVET Internship Programme (18 Months)
Minimum Requirement
- N6 Certificate in Public Administration
Monthly Stipend: R4,950
Available TVET Internship Posts by Province
National Office – Pretoria
- Post: TVET Intern
- Ref No: Q9/2026/04
- Office: Office of the Chief Director: Investigation & Provincial Coordination
- Address: Benstra Building, 473 Stanza Bopape & Steve Biko Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
- Email: Recruitment10@ipid.gov.za
- Enquiries: Ms O. Maboa – (012) 399 0219
Eastern Cape – Database Clerk
- Ref No: Q9/2026/05
- Location: Waverly Park Offices, Chiselhurst, East London
- Email: Recruitment3@ipid.gov.za
- Enquiries: Ms S. Mpotsha – (043) 707 7200
Gauteng – Database Clerk
- Ref No: Q9/2026/06
- Location: Braamfischer Towers, Marshalltown
- Email: Recruitment1@ipid.gov.za
- Enquiries: Ms M. Tshabalala – (010) 027 7428
KwaZulu-Natal – Database Clerk
- Ref No: Q9/2026/07
- Location: The Marine Building, Durban
- Email: Recruitment2@ipid.gov.za
- Enquiries: Mr S. Ndlovu – (031) 310 1300
Mpumalanga – Database Assistant
- Ref No: Q9/2026/08
- Location: Nedbank Centre, Nelspruit
- Email: Recruitment9@ipid.gov.za
- Enquiries: Ms E. Mamabolo – (013) 754 1000
Northern Cape – Corporate Service Support
- Ref No: Q9/2026/09
- Location: Kimberley
- Email: Recruitment5@ipid.gov.za
- Enquiries: Mr T. Mathe – (053) 807 5100
Western Cape – Database Clerk
- Ref No: Q9/2026/10
- Location: Bellville
- Email: Recruitment4@ipid.gov.za
- Enquiries: Ms N. Mathinthela – (021) 941 4816
Free State – Database Clerk
- Ref No: Q9/2026/11
- Location: Bloemfontein
- Email: Recruitment7@ipid.gov.za
- Enquiries: Mr T. Khompela – (015) 283 8011
Limpopo – Database Clerk
- Ref No: Q9/2026/12
- Location: Polokwane
- Email: Recruitment8@ipid.gov.za
- Enquiries: Ms K. Netshikulwe – (015) 283 8011
North West – Database Assistant
- Ref No: Q9/2026/13
- Location: Molopo Shopping Centre
- Email: Recruitment6@ipid.gov.za
- Enquiries: Ms M. Molefhe – (018) 397 0250
University Graduate Internship Programme (24 Months)
Monthly Stipend: R6,050
Strategic Management & Planning (National Office)
- Posts: 2
- Ref No: Q9/2026/14
- Qualification: Public Administration, Management, Business Management (NQF 7)
- Email: Recruitment11@ipid.gov.za
Internal Control & Compliance (National Office)
- Posts: 2
- Ref No: Q9/2026/15
- Qualifications: Auditing, Risk Management, Accounting, Financial Management
- Email: Recruitment12@ipid.gov.za
Investigation Support (Provincial Offices)
Required Qualifications: Criminal Justice, Policing, Law
- Eastern Cape – Ref No: Q9/2026/16 – Recruitment3@ipid.gov.za
- Gauteng – Ref No: Q9/2026/17 – Recruitment1@ipid.gov.za
- KwaZulu-Natal – Ref No: Q9/2026/18 – Recruitment2@ipid.gov.za
- Western Cape – Ref No: Q9/2026/19 – Recruitment4@ipid.gov.za
- Northern Cape – Ref No: Q9/2026/20 – Recruitment5@ipid.gov.za
- North West – Ref No: Q9/2026/21 – Recruitment6@ipid.gov.za
Why the IPID Internship Programme Matters
Participation in the IPID Internship Programme offers more than a stipend. Interns gain:
- Recognised government work experience
- Exposure to investigation and compliance environments
- Practical skills in public administration and governance
- Strong professional references within the public sector
Many former interns progress into:
- Permanent government employment
- Investigation and compliance roles
- Criminal justice and oversight institutions
- SAPS or municipal policing environments
- Further postgraduate studies
This experience carries significant weight on a professional CV.
Important Application Rules
- Applicants may apply to one province only, preferably their home province
- Multiple applications will result in disqualification
- Previous internship participants are not eligible
- Late applications will not be considered
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 28 January 2026.
Early submission is strongly encouraged to avoid disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply to more than one province?
No. Applicants must submit only one application, preferably in their home province.
Can I apply if I have completed another internship before?
No. This programme is strictly for first-time internship participants.
Is the stipend guaranteed?
Yes. Appointed interns who comply with programme requirements will receive the monthly stipend.
Do I need to submit certified qualifications with my application?
No. Qualifications are requested only after shortlisting.
Is this a permanent job?
No, but the programme significantly improves employability and access to government careers.
Final Word
The IPID Internship Programme 2026 represents a rare and credible opportunity for unemployed TVET and university graduates to enter the public service environment with meaningful responsibility, structured mentorship, and paid work experience. For young South Africans serious about building careers in governance, investigation, administration, and justice, this programme is a strategic stepping stone that should not be missed.
Applications close on 28 January 2026.
Thato Sabethwa is a passionate education advocate and digital content creator dedicated to helping young South Africans access valuable career and learning opportunities. With a strong belief in the power of skills development, Thato writes informative articles about learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job readiness. Through OnlineLearnership.co.za, Thato aims to guide students and job seekers toward the right opportunities that can shape their future. Her content focuses on practical advice, career tips, and reliable updates to empower readers to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.
