100,000 Youth Opportunities: National Youth Service Phase V 2026

Unlock your potential with the National Youth Service Phase V 2026! This program offers 100,000 paid community service opportunities for South African youth, with applications closing on 30 August 2026. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable experience and contribute to your community.

About the Opportunity
Join the National Youth Service Phase V 2026 and become part of a transformative initiative aimed at empowering unemployed South African youth. With 100,000 positions available across all nine provinces, participants will engage in community-based service roles, acquiring practical workplace experience while supporting local organizations and public-service initiatives.

Closing Date
The deadline to apply is 30 August 2026. Act quickly as placements may fill before this date.

Key Responsibilities
Participants will be placed in various roles within community organizations and public-service environments, such as schools, clinics, early childhood development centers, youth centers, and non-profit organizations. Example roles include Educator Assistant, Office Administrator Assistant, General Worker, and Desktop Support Assistant.

Requirements/Qualifications
Applicants must be South African citizens aged 18–35, currently unemployed, and not studying full-time. Registration on the SA Youth platform is required. Young people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Specific qualification requirements may vary by placement.

Benefits
Gain paid community-service experience, verifiable work experience, and develop essential skills like workplace discipline, time management, teamwork, and communication. Participants will also receive employer or host-organization references, enhancing future job, learnership, or internship applications.

Required Application Documents
Prepare a South African ID or ID number, updated CV, proof of residence if requested, and certified copies of qualifications where applicable. Document requirements may vary by placement.

Not sure if this is the right fit? See our guide to how learnerships work in South Africa for a full breakdown of stipends, eligibility, and the application process.

Want to compare a few options first? Our learnership vacancies page is updated daily with new intakes.