The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (KZNDSAC) is inviting unemployed South African graduates living with disabilities to apply for its Graduate Development Programme 2026/2028. Successful interns will be placed in Durban and Pietermaritzburg for 24 months and earn a monthly stipend of R8,174.75. If you live in KwaZulu-Natal, are aged 18 to 35 and hold a relevant degree or diploma, submit your Z83 application before the closing date of 28 August 2026.
About the Programme
The KZNDSAC promotes sport development, arts, culture, museums, libraries and language services across the province. It is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s larger provincial departments, running programmes that reach communities in every district municipality.
The Graduate Development Programme is the department’s structured internship pipeline, giving unemployed graduates 24 months of real workplace experience matched to their qualifications. This intake is specifically reserved for graduates living with disabilities, part of government’s commitment to disability inclusion in the public service. Interns are placed in the Office of the Head of Department and in Financial Management Services, gaining exposure that counts as genuine public-service experience for future government job applications.
What You Will Gain
- 24 months of structured workplace experience in a provincial government department
- A monthly stipend of R8,174.75
- Placement matched to your qualification: Development Studies (Office of the HOD, ref DSAC INT 01/2026, Durban and Pietermaritzburg) or Accounting/Budget Services (Financial Management Services, ref DSAC INT 02/2026, Pietermaritzburg)
- Exposure to departmental administration, financial management and public-service processes
- A public-service track record that strengthens future DPSA job applications
Who Can Apply
- South African graduates residing in KwaZulu-Natal
- Persons living with disabilities (this intake is reserved for disabled applicants)
- Aged between 18 and 35 years
- Unemployed, with no previous work experience in your field of study
- Must not have participated in a government internship programme before
- DSAC INT 01/2026: Degree in Development Studies
- DSAC INT 02/2026: Degree or three-year National Diploma in Accounting or Budget Services
- Available for the full 24-month programme
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Required Documents
- Completed new Z83 application form (2021 version)
- Recently updated comprehensive CV
- Proof of residential address in KwaZulu-Natal
- Clear details of your relevant qualification
- The correct reference number (DSAC INT 01/2026 or DSAC INT 02/2026) clearly indicated
- Certified copies are only required from shortlisted candidates before or on the interview date
- Foreign qualifications require a SAQA evaluation certificate
How to Apply
- Download and complete the new Z83 form (2021 version), available at government offices and on the DPSA website.
- Write the correct reference number for your chosen internship on the Z83 and your CV.
- Attach your comprehensive CV and proof of residential address.
- Submit by hand or post to: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, 171 Boshoff Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3200, or to your nearest district office (Amajuba, uThukela, uMzinyathi, eThekwini Metro, iLembe, Harry Gwala, Ugu, uMgungundlovu, King Cetshwayo or uMkhanyakude).
- Emailed and faxed applications will NOT be accepted.
- For enquiries contact Mrs T.N. Shongwe on 033 341 3600.
Z83 Form 2026 PDF Download – New Editable Form & Completion Guide
Closing Date
The closing date for the KZNDSAC Graduate Development Programme 2026/2028 is 28 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
Graduates living with disabilities face some of the steepest barriers to employment in South Africa, and dedicated public-service intakes like this one exist precisely to close that gap. A 24-month contract is double the length of most internships, which means deeper experience, a longer income runway and a far stronger CV at the end.
The R8,174.75 monthly stipend matches the standard government graduate internship rate, and former public-service interns are often well placed for permanent government posts because they understand departmental systems, the Z83 process and the PFMA environment. If you qualify, do not let the hand-delivery requirement put you off; applications can go to any of the ten district offices across the province.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I do not have a disability?
No. This specific intake is reserved for graduates living with disabilities, in line with the department’s employment equity targets. Other KZNDSAC internship intakes may be open to all applicants.
Do I need certified copies when I apply?
No. Submit the Z83, CV and proof of address only. Certified copies of qualifications and ID are requested from shortlisted candidates before or on the interview date.
Can I apply if I live outside KwaZulu-Natal?
No. The programme requires applicants to reside within KwaZulu-Natal, and proof of residential address must accompany your application.
Will I get a permanent job after the Graduate Development Programme?
The advertisement does not promise permanent employment, but the experience counts as public-service experience and significantly strengthens applications for permanent government posts advertised through DPSA circulars.
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