Department of Sports Art and Culture Internships (X37 Posts)

The South African Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)

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Overview

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) is a national government department in South Africa responsible for developing, promoting, and preserving the country’s sporting excellence, cultural heritage, creative industries, and linguistic diversity. The department plays a vital role in strengthening national identity, social cohesion, and economic growth through sport, arts, and culture.

DSAC operates under the vision of building an active, winning, and socially cohesive nation, where arts, culture, and sport are accessible to all South Africans.

Mandate and Legislative Framework

The mandate of DSAC is guided by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, particularly the promotion of:

• Cultural diversity

• Freedom of artistic expression

• Access to cultural and sporting opportunities

• Protection of heritage resources

• Development of official languages

The department also operates within several legislative frameworks, including:

• The National Sport and Recreation Act

• The National Heritage Resources Act

• The Pan South African Language Board Act

• The Cultural Institutions Act

• The National Archives and Records Service Act

Core Functions of the Department

1. Sport and Recreation Development

DSAC is responsible for advancing sport and recreation across all levels of society. Its focus areas include:

• Developing grassroots and school sport programmes

• Supporting high-performance athletes and federations

• Improving access to sporting infrastructure

• Promoting transformation, equity, and inclusivity in sport

• Encouraging mass participation to support healthy lifestyles

Through initiatives such as Active Nation and Winning Nation, the department aims to position South Africa as a globally competitive sporting nation while promoting community wellness.

2. Arts, Culture, and Creative Industries

The department supports the growth and sustainability of South Africa’s creative economy by:

• Funding artists, performers, and cultural practitioners

• Promoting visual arts, music, theatre, film, dance, and literature

• Supporting cultural festivals and community arts centres

• Encouraging youth participation in creative industries

• Protecting artists’ rights and intellectual property

DSAC recognises arts and culture as key contributors to job creation, social dialogue, and economic development.

3. Heritage Promotion and Preservation

South Africa’s rich and diverse heritage is protected and promoted through DSAC’s work in:

• Safeguarding heritage sites and monuments

• Managing museums, memorials, and national heritage institutions

• Preserving oral histories and indigenous knowledge systems

• Honouring liberation history and national symbols

• Supporting repatriation and restitution initiatives

These efforts help ensure that South Africa’s history is preserved for future generations while fostering national pride.

4. Language Development and Promotion

DSAC plays a critical role in promoting multilingualism and language equity by:

• Developing terminology in official languages

• Supporting translation, interpreting, and editing services

• Promoting South African Sign Language

• Supporting indigenous and previously marginalised languages

• Overseeing institutions such as the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB)

Language development is central to social inclusion, access to information, and cultural identity.

5. Archives, Records, and Knowledge Preservation

Through the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA), DSAC ensures:

• Preservation of public records and documentary heritage

• Access to historical records for research and governance

• Proper records management in public institutions

• Conservation of film, audiovisual, and paper-based materials

This function supports transparency, accountability, and historical continuity.

Public Entities and Institutions

DSAC oversees several public entities that support its mandate, including:

• National Arts Council (NAC)

• National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)

• South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA)

• Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB)

• Boxing South Africa

• South African Library for the Blind

• Performing Arts Institutions

• National Museums and Heritage Councils

These entities play a crucial role in implementing policies and programmes at sector level.

Social Cohesion and Nation Building

One of DSAC’s strategic priorities is social cohesion and nation building. The department uses sport, arts, and culture as tools to:

• Promote unity across diverse communities

• Address social challenges such as inequality and exclusion

• Encourage dialogue and mutual understanding

• Strengthen national values and shared identity

Flagship programmes include National Days celebrations, community dialogues, and heritage commemorations.

Youth Development and Skills Training

DSAC actively supports youth development through:

• Internship and graduate programmes

• Skills development initiatives in creative and cultural sectors

• Support for emerging athletes and artists

• Partnerships with educational institutions

These initiatives aim to build sustainable career pathways and reduce youth unemployment.

International Cooperation

The department represents South Africa in international cultural and sporting forums, fostering:

• Cultural exchange programmes

• International sporting cooperation

• Global promotion of South African arts and heritage

• Strategic partnerships with multilateral organisations

This strengthens South Africa’s global cultural and sporting footprint.

Conclusion

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture plays a central role in shaping South Africa’s identity, preserving its heritage, and empowering communities through sport and creativity. By integrating cultural development, sporting excellence, and social cohesion, DSAC contributes significantly to nation building, economic growth, and social transformation.

Through inclusive policies, strategic partnerships, and targeted programmes, the department continues to unlock the power of sport, arts, and culture as drivers of opportunity, unity, and national pride.

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC): Internship Programme 2026–2028

Internship Programme Overview

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for its 24-month Internship Programme (2026–2028). The programme aims to provide graduates with valuable workplace experience to enhance employability and professional development.

Location: Pretoria
Duration: 24 months
Stipend: R7 860.50 per month
Closing Date: 06 February 2026 at 12:00

Please note: All internship placements are based in Pretoria. The Department will not provide transport or accommodation, including for candidates travelling from outside Gauteng Province.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the DSAC e-Recruitment System using the link or QR code below:

Application Process

• Applicants must register a user profile on the e-Recruitment system by completing all required personal details and creating login credentials.

• Once registered, log in to access the Welcome Page, where all available internship opportunities are listed.

• Applicants must fully complete the electronic Z83 form within the system before applying. Applications with incomplete mandatory fields will not be processed.

• After completing the profile and Z83, applicants may apply for any relevant internship positions.

• Supporting documents and certified copies of qualifications are not required at the application stage and will only be requested from shortlisted candidates.

• Applicants without access to internet or computer facilities may contact the Department before the closing date to make arrangements for assisted access at DSAC offices.

• The e-Recruitment system is accessible via smartphones and other mobile devices.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Available Internship Opportunities

Post 02/100 – Intern: National Archives and Film Archives (Ref: 01/2026)

Posts: 3
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Archival Studies, Museum or Heritage Studies, History, Library & Information Science, Media Studies, IT, Film & Television, Book & Paper Conservation, or related fields.

Post 02/101 – Intern: Heritage Promotion and Preservation (Ref: 02/2026)

Posts: 3
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Museums and Heritage Studies, History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or related fields.

Post 02/102 – Intern: National Language Services (Ref: 03/2026)

Posts: 3
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Language Planning, Terminology Development, Translation and Editing, Human Language Technology, South African Sign Language Interpreting, or related fields.

Post 02/103 – Intern: Cultural Development (Ref: 04/2026)

Posts: 3
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Dramatic Arts, Fine Arts, Motion Picture or Media Studies, or related fields.

Post 02/104 – Intern: Entity Oversight and Interface (Ref: 05/2026)

Posts: 1
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Public Administration, Corporate Governance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Financial Management, Public Finance, Auditing, Accounting, or related fields.

Post 02/105 – Intern: International Cooperation and Donor Coordination (Ref: 06/2026)

Posts: 3
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in International Relations, Political Studies, or related fields.

Post 02/106 – Intern: Human Resource Management (Ref: 07/2026)

Posts: 1
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Human Resource Management, Public Administration or Management, or related fields.

Post 02/107 – Intern: Social Cohesion and Nation Building (Ref: 08/2026)

Posts: 2
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Social Sciences including Sociology, History, Anthropology, Economics, Education, Gender Studies, Religious Studies, or related fields.

Post 02/108 – Intern: Risk Management (Ref: 09/2026)

Posts: 2
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Risk Management, Accounting, Commerce, Auditing, Data Science, Project Management, or related fields.

Post 02/109 – Intern: Financial Administration / Management (Ref: 10/2026)

Posts: 1
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related fields.

Post 02/110 – Intern: Supply Chain Management (Ref: 11/2026)

Posts: 1
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, Logistics Management, or related fields.

Post 02/111 – Intern: Communications and Marketing (Ref: 12/2026)

Posts: 1
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Communication, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies, or related fields.

Post 02/112 – Intern: Information and Communication Technology (Ref: 13/2026)

Posts: 1
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Information Technology, Software Development, Web or Application Development, or related fields.

Post 02/113 – Intern: Legal Services (Ref: 14/2026)

Posts: 1
Requirements: BProc or LLB degree recognised by SAQA.

Post 02/114 – Intern: Internal Audit (Ref: 15/2026)

Posts: 1
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Information Systems, Computer Science, Auditing, or related fields.

Post 02/115 – Intern: Strategic Management and Planning (Ref: 16/2026)

Posts: 1
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Public Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation, Strategic or Knowledge Management, Auditing, Commerce, or related fields.

Post 02/116 – Intern: Infrastructure (Ref: 17/2026)

Posts: 3
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in the Built Environment or related fields.

Post 02/117 – Intern: Active and Winning Nations (Ref: 18/2026)

Posts: 6
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Sports Management, Recreation Management, Sports Science, Biokinetics, or related fields.

Post 02/118 – Intern: Security and Work Environment (Ref: 19/2026)

Posts: 1
Requirements: Three-year Degree or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Public Administration, Accounting, or related fields.

Enquiries

For all internship enquiries, contact:
Ms Emelda Baloyi – (012) 441 3602
Mr Mbudzeni Mashapha – (012) 441 3524
Ms Mamoshane Mashabela – (012) 304 3031

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