Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) Internships 2026: Stipends Up to R8,500

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is offering graduates a chance to gain valuable experience through its 24-month Internship Programme for 2026. This opportunity is available in various fields, including Policy and Research, Legal Services, Human Resources, Public Education and Information, and Monitoring and Evaluation. Applications are open to South African graduates who have not previously participated in an internship.

Application Closing Date: 25 August 2026
Location: Johannesburg and Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Programme Duration: 24 months
Stipend: R7,500 to R8,500 per month
Minimum Qualification: NQF 7 Degree or Master’s
Opportunity Type: Internship

About the CGE Internship Programme 2026

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) provides a 24-month internship programme designed for South African graduates. This programme aims to offer practical workplace experience and professional development within the public sector. It is specifically for individuals who have completed their relevant qualifications and are looking to start their careers.

The CGE is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to this mission while gaining exposure to the workings of a government commission. Participants will work in different departments, learning about policy development, legal frameworks, human resource management, public outreach, and program evaluation.

About the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE)

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is an independent statutory body established to promote, protect, and advance gender equality in South Africa. It works to ensure that gender equality is achieved and that all people are free from unfair discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, or sexual orientation. The CGE plays a vital role in addressing gender-based violence and advocating for women’s rights.

Available Internship Opportunities

The CGE is offering internships in the following areas:

• Policy & Research
• Legal Services
• Human Resources
• Public Education & Information
• Monitoring & Evaluation

What the Internship Offers

Successful candidates will benefit from a structured 24-month learning experience. This includes:

• Monthly stipends ranging from R7,500 to R8,500.
• Hands-on workplace experience in a government institution.
• Exposure to national policy development and implementation.
• Opportunities to develop professional skills in your chosen field.
• A chance to contribute to gender equality initiatives in South Africa.

Programme Duration and Location

This internship programme runs for a period of 24 months. The internships are based in Gauteng, with opportunities available in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Some roles may require extensive travel within South Africa for research or fieldwork.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the CGE Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Have completed a relevant NQF Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree, Honours, Master’s Degree, or equivalent qualification as specified for each internship.
• Must not have previously participated in an internship programme.
• For the Policy & Research role, a valid driver’s licence is required.

Specific qualifications for each internship are detailed below:

• Policy & Research: Master of Arts Degree in Social Sciences or a relevant Social Sciences discipline.
• Legal Services: Bachelor of Laws (LLB), BA Law, or BCom Law.
• Human Resources: NQF Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology, or an equivalent qualification.
• Public Education & Information: NQF Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, Gender Studies, Education, or an equivalent field.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: NQF Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Honours/Master’s qualification in fields such as Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Public Administration, Administration, Public Management, Information Management, or Social Sciences.

Competencies Required

Depending on the specific internship, applicants may need to demonstrate the following skills:

• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel extensively.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Legal research and drafting skills (for Legal internships).
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., BCEA, LRA, EEA, OHSA for HR internships).
• Digital communication capability (for Public Education & Information).
• Proficiency in MS Project, Power BI, or Access (for M&E internships).

Who Should Apply?

This internship programme is ideal for recent South African graduates who are eager to gain practical experience in fields related to gender equality, policy, law, human resources, communications, or data analysis. If you are passionate about social justice and want to contribute to a more equitable society, this opportunity is for you. It’s particularly suited for those who have completed their studies and are looking for their first professional role to build a career.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

• A detailed CV, including your address and date of birth.
• A certified copy of your South African ID document.
• Certified copies of your relevant qualification certificates.
• For applicants with foreign qualifications, a SAQA evaluation report is also required.

How to Apply

Applications for the CGE Internship Programme 2026 must be submitted via email. Interested candidates should send their applications to:

[email protected]

When sending your email, please clearly indicate the specific internship programme you are applying for in the subject line. Ensure all required documents are attached and that your CV is up-to-date.

Important Notes

• All internships are offered on a 24-month contract basis.
• Successful candidates will be responsible for their own transport to and from the workplace.
• There is no guarantee of permanent employment after the completion of the internship.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
• Late applications will not be considered.
• The CGE reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• If you have not heard back from the CGE within four weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 25 August 2026. Ensure your application is submitted well before this date.

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