The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has officially opened applications for its Graduate Internship Programme 2026, offering unemployed South African graduates a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on public sector experience. This 12-month fixed-term internship is aimed at young people who have never participated in an internship before, whether in the public or private sector.
With a monthly stipend of R8,000, structured mentorship, and exposure to real regulatory and enforcement work, this programme is designed to help graduates transition from theory into meaningful workplace experience within a nationally recognised institution.
About the NCC Graduate Internship Programme
The NCC plays a critical role in protecting consumer rights and enforcing fair business practices in South Africa. Through this internship programme, successful candidates will be placed in key operational units at the NCC’s offices in Pretoria (Groenkloof), where they will contribute to real work while developing professional and technical skills.
A total of eight internship positions are available across four specialised units, each offering focused exposure aligned with specific qualifications and career paths.
Internship Fields Available
Complaints and Investigations Internship
Number of posts: Four
Reference number: NCC03/01/26
Minimum qualification
- Matric
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
What interns will do
Interns will assist with handling consumer complaints, support investigations into unfair business practices, and help assess products and services that may violate consumer protection laws. The role also includes participation in inspections and enforcement-related activities.
This internship is best suited to law graduates seeking exposure to regulatory law, investigations, compliance processes, and enforcement work within a public institution.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Internship
Number of posts: Two
Reference number: NCC04/01/26
Minimum qualification
- Matric
- National Diploma or Degree in Information and Communication Technology
What interns will do
ICT interns will support the NCC’s internal systems, assist with system maintenance and administration, and contribute to the development and improvement of digital platforms. The role also involves providing technical support to staff members.
This opportunity is ideal for graduates looking to gain practical IT systems experience in a government environment.
Enforcement and Legal Services Internship
Number of posts: One
Reference number: NCC05/01/26
Minimum qualification
- Matric
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
What interns will do
Interns will support litigation processes, assist with drafting legal opinions, and help with prosecutions undertaken by the NCC. The role involves working closely with legal professionals in enforcement actions.
This internship suits law graduates interested in public law, litigation, and regulatory enforcement.
Supply Chain Management Internship
Number of posts: One
Reference number: NCC06/01/26
Minimum qualification
- Matric
- National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Procurement
What interns will do
Interns will assist with procurement and tender processes, support travel and asset management, and gain exposure to government supply chain management compliance systems and record-keeping procedures.
This role is ideal for graduates aiming to build careers in procurement, logistics, or public-sector supply chain management.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be unemployed
- Have never participated in an internship before, either public or private
- Hold the relevant qualification for the specific internship post
- Be willing to work in Pretoria (Groenkloof)
Foreign qualifications must be verified by SAQA before appointment.
Stipend and Programme Benefits
Successful interns will receive:
- A monthly stipend of R8,000
- Structured workplace exposure
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- Practical experience aligned with their field of study
- Insight into public sector operations and regulatory enforcement
The NCC applies Employment Equity principles throughout the recruitment and selection process.
How to Apply
Applicants must follow the application process carefully, as failure to comply may result in disqualification.
Step 1: Prepare your documents
You will need:
- A short, clear cover letter
- A detailed and updated CV
Step 2: Use the correct reference number
Each internship has a unique reference number. This must be included in the email subject line.
Example:
NCC03/01/26 – Complaints and Investigations Internship
Step 3: Submit your application
Email your application to:
recruitment@thencc.org.za
The closing date for applications is 30 January 2026.
What Happens After You Apply
Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo criminal record checks, qualification verification, and personnel suitability assessments before final appointment.
Conclusion
The National Consumer Commission Graduate Internship Programme 2026 offers unemployed graduates a rare chance to gain meaningful public sector experience while contributing to consumer protection and regulatory enforcement in South Africa. With structured training, real responsibilities, and professional mentorship, this programme provides a strong foundation for future careers in law, ICT, investigations, and supply chain management.
