Department launches Project 20K to recruit unemployed graduates
The Department of Employment and Labour has launched Project 20K, a national internship initiative aimed at providing workplace experience for unemployed graduates across South Africa.
The programme, running from 2025 to 2027, seeks to recruit and place 20,000 young South Africans in various roles across all nine provinces.
According to the department, the initiative is designed to empower young people by equipping them with essential skills and experience needed to enter the job market. Successful applicants will be placed on a 24-month contract and will receive a monthly stipend of R7,860.
Internship opportunities are available in all provinces, including Gauteng, Western Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, North West, and Northern Cape.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be South African citizens
- Be unemployed and seeking workplace experience
- Not have participated in any previous internship programme
- Hold a matric certificate and a relevant post-school qualification
Preference will be given to South African youth, persons with disabilities, and individuals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds
The Department noted that selection criteria will be applied according to the specific requirements of each role.
The application closing date is 21 November 2025. The contract duration is 24 months, and the stipend is R7,860 per month.
How to apply for the Project 20K programme
To apply, interested candidates can visit sayouth.mobi.
- Register on the platform – the process takes less than five minutes.
- If already registered, simply log in.
- Once registered, applicants will see internship opportunities available near their local Department of Employment and Labour office.
- If no opportunities appear, search for “Project 20K” in the platform’s search box.
For assistance, applicants can call or WhatsApp SA Youth at 0800 72 72 72 during office hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 16:30.
Project 20K is part of the government’s continued efforts to tackle youth unemployment and promote inclusive economic growth by providing young South Africans with valuable workplace experience.