The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is inviting unemployed, suitably qualified graduates to apply for its Graduate Development Programme 2026/2027. This is a 12-month programme designed to give young professionals meaningful workplace exposure, structured development, and the opportunity to contribute to programmes that support and strengthen local government across South Africa.
Stipend: R6,500 per month
Location: Positions available across all nine provinces, as well as National office clusters
Duration: 12 months
SALGA’s promise to its employees is to give them an opportunity to grow their careers through experiences and connections that inspire them to make an impact. As a graduate on this programme, you will gain practical workplace experience and structured professional development within SALGA. You will support discipline programmes and projects through research, analysis, administration, and project-related activities, while applying your academic knowledge to real workplace challenges. The role also provides exposure to the local government sector, stakeholder engagements, mentoring, and learning opportunities that will help you build technical, professional, and workplace competencies to enhance your future employability.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be:
- South African citizens
- Unemployed graduates who have not previously participated in a similar graduate development programme
- In possession of a recognised qualification relevant to the advertised opportunity
Disciplines and Provinces Available
Opportunities span a wide range of disciplines, including Municipal Sustainability, Inclusive Communities, Economic Growth and Investment, HR and Dispute Resolution, Financial Resilience, Trading Services, Built Environment and Planning, Community Safety and Asset Protection, Waste Management, Municipal Health, Legal Advisory Services, Risk Management, Assurance Services, Communications, Information Solutions, International and Stakeholder Relations, Municipal Learning and Development, and more.
These roles are based across the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, Western Cape, and National offices (Human Capital & Corporate Services, Infrastructure Delivery & Spatial, Intergovernmental Relations & Municipal Resilience, and Office of the CEO).
Qualifications required vary by discipline and include diplomas and bachelor’s degrees in fields such as Town and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Environmental Management, Human Resource Management, Disaster Management, Engineering (Civil/Electrical), Economics, Accounting, Internal Auditing, Law (LLB), Media Studies, Human Resource Development, Development Studies, and related social and natural sciences.
Important Note
SALGA will not incur costs for relocation, should you wish to apply outside your residential area. Communication will be limited to short-listed candidates only. SALGA reserves the right not to proceed with the appointment for any of the vacant positions. All appointments will be made in line with SALGA’s Employment Equity Plan.
How to Apply
Suitably qualified and experienced candidates must apply online before the closing date.
Closing Date: 14 September 2026