NFVF PESP7 Digitisation Internships Offer 200 Assistant Archivist Roles
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in collaboration with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, is offering a significant opportunity for unemployed South African graduates and youth. The PESP7 Digitisation Project Internship Programme 2026 aims to fill 200 Assistant Archivist positions across all nine provinces and the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa in Pretoria. This initiative, part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme, focuses on digitizing valuable archival records, providing work experience, and contributing to the preservation of South Africa’s heritage. The application period opens on July 15, 2026, and closes promptly on August 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
Internship Programme Details
The NFVF and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture are jointly presenting the seventh iteration of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme. This specific project, the NARSSA Archives Digitisation Project, will employ 200 individuals as Assistant Archivists. The program is designed for unemployed South African graduates and young people up to the age of 35. The internships are scheduled to commence on August 24, 2026, and will be carried out at various provincial archive sites and the National Archives in Pretoria.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
To be considered for these Assistant Archivist positions, applicants must be South African citizens aged 35 or younger. A completed relevant diploma or degree is essential, with fields of study including archival work, records management, information science, film, sound, heritage, or information technology. Individuals who have previously participated in PESP projects are not eligible to apply. Applicants must also clearly indicate their preferred project site if applying in a province with multiple locations.
Available Assistant Archivist Positions by Province
The 200 available positions are distributed across South Africa, with specific numbers allocated to each province and the national archives. Each location offers unique areas of work within the digitisation and archival process.
Western Cape Assistant Archivists: 10 Posts
In the Western Cape, 10 Assistant Archivist posts are available in Cape Town. Successful candidates may engage in arranging and describing archival records, digitizing them, assisting with client services, oral history projects, appraisal, and records management. A four-year diploma or three-year degree in Archival Studies, Information Science, Film Studies, or Sound Engineering is required.
KwaZulu-Natal Assistant Archivists: 22 Posts
KwaZulu-Natal will host 22 Assistant Archivist positions across Ulundi, Durban, and Pietermaritzburg. The work will involve arrangement and description of records and their digitization. Applicants need a four-year diploma or three-year degree in Archival Studies, Information Science, Film Studies, or Sound Engineering.
North West Assistant Archivists: 22 Posts
Mahikeng in the North West province has 22 Assistant Archivist roles. These positions will focus on oral history, arrangement and description, digitization, videography, and video editing. The minimum qualification is a four-year diploma or three-year degree in Archival Studies, Information Science, Film Studies, or Sound Engineering.
Limpopo Assistant Archivists: 20 Posts
Limpopo offers 20 Assistant Archivist positions spread across Polokwane, Makwarela, Giyani, and Lebowakgomo. Responsibilities include arrangement and description, appraisal, records management, digitization, and oral history. A four-year diploma or three-year degree in Archival Studies, Information Science, Film Studies, or Sound Engineering is necessary.
Mpumalanga Assistant Archivists: 22 Posts
Mbombela in Mpumalanga has 22 Assistant Archivist posts available. The work will concentrate on appraisal and arrangement and description of archival materials. Applicants must possess a diploma or degree in Archival Studies, Information Science, Film Studies, or Sound Engineering.
Eastern Cape Assistant Archivists: 22 Posts
The Eastern Cape will have 22 Assistant Archivist roles in Qonce, Gqeberha, and Mthatha. The primary focus will be on the arrangement and description of archival records. A three-year bachelor’s degree in Archives and Records Management or a Postgraduate Diploma in Archives and Records Management is the required qualification.
Gauteng Assistant Archivists: 22 Posts
Gauteng province provides 22 Assistant Archivist positions in Kagiso and Johannesburg. Duties will include records management, arrangement and description, and preservation and conservation. A four-year diploma or three-year degree in Archival Studies, Information Science, Film Studies, or Sound Engineering is needed.
Northern Cape Assistant Archivists: 22 Posts
Kimberley and various districts within the Northern Cape will host 22 Assistant Archivist positions. The roles encompass oral history, conservation, digital archiving, arrangement and description, appraisal and disposal, and records management. Qualifications include a diploma or degree in Archival Studies, Information Science, Heritage Studies, Film Studies, or Information and Communication Technology.
Free State Assistant Archivists: 15 Posts
Bloemfontein in the Free State has 15 Assistant Archivist roles. Tasks involve arrangement and description, strongroom maintenance, reading-room management, digitization, and records management. Applicants require a four-year diploma or three-year degree in Archival Studies, Information Science, Film Studies, or Sound Engineering.
NARSSA Pretoria Assistant Archivists: 23 Posts
The National Archives and Records Service of South Africa in Pretoria offers 23 Assistant Archivist positions. Responsibilities cover arrangement and description, strongroom maintenance, reading-room management, records management, digitization, oral history, conservation, and sound preservation. A four-year diploma or three-year degree in Archival Studies, Information Science, Records Management, Film Studies, or Sound Engineering is the minimum requirement.
Summary of Available Positions
| Province or site | Number of posts |
|---|---|
| Western Cape | 10 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 22 |
| North West | 22 |
| Limpopo | 20 |
| Mpumalanga | 22 |
| Eastern Cape | 22 |
| Gauteng | 22 |
| Northern Cape | 22 |
| Free State | 15 |
| NARSSA Pretoria | 23 |
| Total | 200 |
Duties of Successful Candidates
The specific tasks for Assistant Archivists will vary based on their assigned location and project site. However, general duties may include digitizing physical archival records, scanning and organizing historical documents, describing and arranging archival collections, and supporting records management activities. Participants might also assist with oral history projects, preserve film, sound, and documentary records, and support appraisal and disposal processes. Other tasks could involve managing reading-room services, maintaining strongrooms, providing client and research services, supporting archival conservation, and capturing digital records. Some roles may also involve videography and editing.
Required Application Documents
All applications must be accompanied by an updated CV, a certified copy of the applicant’s South African identity document, and certified copies of qualifications and relevant certificates. If applicable, a certified copy of a driver’s license should also be included. For positions where it is specified, a certified Code 10 driver’s license and Professional Driving Permit will be necessary. Applicants must ensure all submitted documents are clear and correctly attached to their email.
How to Apply
Applications for the NFVF PESP7 Digitisation Internships 2026 must be submitted via email to the National Film and Video Foundation at [email protected]. It is crucial for applicants to include the correct job reference number in the email subject line. For example, “WC.01 – Assistant Archivist”. If applying for a province with multiple sites, the preferred site must also be specified in the subject line, such as “LMP.01 – Assistant Archivist – Polokwane”.
Application Closing Date
The deadline for all applications is Monday, August 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Late applications will not be considered. It is advisable for candidates to submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute issues.
Verification and Screening Process
Shortlisted candidates will undergo several verification and screening processes. These may include checks for South African citizenship, criminal records, and verification of qualifications and identity documents. Any applicable licenses and certificates will also be verified. Applicants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all information provided in their CV and supporting documents.
Important Applicant Information
Candidates who have previously been part of any Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme project are strongly advised against applying for this opportunity. If an applicant does not receive any feedback regarding their application within 30 days after the closing date, they should assume their application has been unsuccessful. The National Film and Video Foundation reserves the right to not make an appointment for any of the advertised positions.
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