For many South African graduates, the hardest part of unemployment isn’t the lack of ambition — it’s the silence after applying.
The GEPFuture Internship Programme 2026–2028 speaks directly to those still waiting for their first real opportunity, at a time when entry-level doors remain painfully narrow.
This programme is for unemployed graduates who have qualifications, potential, and patience — but lack access. And it matters now because the gap between studying and working has become wider, not smaller.
Why this internship matters in a tight graduate job market
Graduate unemployment in South Africa has stopped being a temporary phase.
For many, it’s become a long, uncertain stretch marked by short contracts, unpaid work, or no response at all.
The GEPFuture Internship Programme is not positioned as a shortcut to employment. Instead, it offers something more realistic: structured, credible workplace exposure inside a major public institution, over a full two-year period.
That length matters.
Two years allows graduates to move beyond observation into contribution — to understand systems, deadlines, accountability, and professional expectations in ways short internships often don’t.
It also reflects an understanding that experience isn’t built in six months.
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Who the GEPFuture Internship Programme 2026-2028 is really for
The programme is open to South African citizens aged 18 to 35 who have completed at least a three-year Degree or National Diploma and are currently unemployed.
Importantly, this is not for candidates who already have formal work experience or who have completed previous internships in their field. The intention is clear: first-time workplace exposure.
GEPF has also signaled a continued focus on inclusion, with added consideration for:
- Graduates from previously disadvantaged institutions
- Candidates with disabilities
- Strong academic performance (minimum averages apply)
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about readiness and fairness.
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Fields of study covered by the programme
One of the strengths of the GEPFuture Internship Programme 2026–2028 is its range. The opportunities reflect the real operational needs of the Government Employees Pension Fund, rather than generic placements.
Available disciplines include:
- Supply Chain Management
Qualifications in Logistics or Supply Chain Management are required.
Applications for this stream are handled via career1@mogalesol.co.za. - Human Capital Management
Suitable for graduates in Human Resources or Industrial Psychology. - Investments
Open to candidates with degrees in Investment Management, Economics, Accounting, or related fields. - Information Technology (IT)
For graduates in IT, Computer Science, or related disciplines. - Legal (Ombud)
Requires an LLB qualification.
Applications are submitted to applicationsjhb@affirm.co.za. - Secretariat and Administration
For graduates in Business Administration or Business Management. - Graphic Design
Requires a qualification in Graphic or Multimedia Design.
Shortlisted candidates must submit a portfolio.
Each placement aligns qualifications with actual work, not generic tasks.
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What interns can realistically expect over two years
Interns will be placed from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028, working within GEPF’s operational environment.
This is not a classroom extension.
Interns are expected to participate in real projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to professional standards — with guidance from experienced staff.
Beyond technical skills, interns gain exposure to:
- Professional communication
- Team-based problem-solving
- Organisational culture
- Workplace ethics and accountability
There are limits too.
The programme does not provide accommodation, and interns are responsible for transport and living arrangements. This honesty matters, because expectations shape experience.
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How to apply for the GEPFuture Internship Programme 2026–2028
Applications must be complete and discipline-specific. Missing documents or incorrect subject lines can quietly remove an application from consideration.
Applicants must submit:
- A CV (maximum two pages)
- Certified qualifications
- Academic transcripts
- Certified South African ID
The subject line should read:
“Application: [Discipline] Intern – GEPFuture Programme”
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If there’s no response within a month of the closing date, applicants should assume the application was unsuccessful.
The closing date is 20 January 2026.
For any enquiries, contact enquiries@gepf.co.za.
Apply Here for the GEPFuture Internship Programme 2026–2028
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this internship guaranteed to lead to permanent employment?
No. The programme offers experience, not automatic placement.
Can final-year students apply?
No. Only graduates who have completed their qualifications are eligible.
Is this programme paid?
Interns receive a stipend, though amounts are not publicly detailed.
Can I apply for more than one discipline?
No. Applications must align strictly with your qualification.
Are candidates with disabilities encouraged to apply?
Yes. Preference is given in line with employment equity goals.
Final Note
The GEPFuture Internship Programme 2026–2028 doesn’t claim to solve graduate unemployment. What it does offer is something rarer: time, structure, and credibility in a system where many graduates are locked out before they begin.
For those still waiting for their first chance to learn inside a real institution — not just on paper — this programme may be worth serious consideration
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