The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has officially opened applications for the PESP7 Digitisation Internship Programme 2026, offering 200 Assistant Archivist internship opportunities across South Africa.
The programme forms part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP7) and aims to create employment while preserving South Africa’s valuable documentary, audiovisual, and archival heritage through digitisation projects.
Successful candidates will be placed at provincial archives and the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA), where they will gain practical experience in archive management, digitisation, records preservation, and information management.
Applications close on 3 August 2026.
Internship Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | NFVF PESP7 Digitisation Internship |
| Position | Assistant Archivist |
| Employer | National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) |
| Total Opportunities | 200 Posts |
| Programme Type | Internship |
| Locations | National (All Provinces & NARSSA Pretoria) |
| Closing Date | 3 August 2026 |
About the NFVF PESP7 Internship Programme
The NFVF PESP7 Digitisation Internship Programme supports the preservation of South Africa’s archival heritage while creating employment opportunities for graduates.
Interns will assist with digitising archival collections, organising historical records, preserving audiovisual content, and supporting archive management projects under experienced professionals.
The programme provides valuable workplace experience for graduates interested in archives, records management, heritage preservation, film, sound, and information management.
Available Internship Opportunities
Western Cape (10 Posts)
Reference: WC.01
Position: Assistant Archivist
Location: Cape Town
Qualifications
- Archival Studies
- Information Science
- Film Studies
- Sound Engineering
KwaZulu-Natal (22 Posts)
Reference: KZN.01
Locations
- Durban
- Pietermaritzburg
- Ulundi
Qualifications
- Archival Studies
- Information Science
- Film Studies
- Sound Engineering
North West (22 Posts)
Reference: NW.01
Location: Mahikeng
Qualifications
- Archival Studies
- Information Science
- Film Studies
- Sound Engineering
Limpopo (20 Posts)
Reference: LMP.01
Locations
- Polokwane
- Makwarela
- Giyani
- Lebowakgomo
Qualifications
- Archival Studies
- Information Science
- Film Studies
- Sound Engineering
Mpumalanga (22 Posts)
Reference: MP.01
Location: Mbombela
Qualifications
- Archival Studies
- Information Science
- Film Studies
- Sound Engineering
Eastern Cape (22 Posts)
Reference: EC.01
Locations
- Qonce
- Gqeberha
- Mthatha
Qualifications
- Degree in Archives and Records Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Archives and Records Management
Gauteng (22 Posts)
Reference: GP.01
Locations
- Johannesburg
- Kagiso
Qualifications
- Archival Studies
- Information Science
- Film Studies
- Sound Engineering
Northern Cape (22 Posts)
Reference: NC.01
Locations
- Kimberley
- Francis Baard
- John Taolo Gaetsewe
- ZF Mgcawu
- Pixley ka Seme
- Namakwa
Qualifications
- Archival Studies
- Information Science
- Heritage Studies
- Film Studies
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Free State (15 Posts)
Reference: FS.01
Location: Bloemfontein
Qualifications
- Archival Studies
- Information Science
- Film Studies
- Sound Engineering
NARSSA Pretoria (23 Posts)
Reference: NARSSA.01
Location
National Archives and Records Service of South Africa
Qualifications
- Archival Studies
- Information Science
- Records Management
- Film Studies
- Sound Engineering
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful interns may assist with:
- Digitising archival collections.
- Preserving historical documents and audiovisual records.
- Cataloguing and organising archive materials.
- Supporting records management projects.
- Assisting with information retrieval.
- Maintaining archive databases.
- Handling heritage preservation activities.
- Supporting digitisation teams.
- Performing administrative duties related to archive management.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should possess:
- A relevant 4-year Diploma or 3-year Degree, depending on the advertised location.
- Qualifications relevant to the specific province applied for.
- South African qualifications in approved fields.
Applicants should carefully read the qualification requirements for their preferred province before applying.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Certified copies of qualifications.
- Certified copy of driver’s licence (if applicable).
- Code 10 driver’s licence (where applicable).
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Skills You’ll Gain
Interns may develop experience in:
- Digital Archiving
- Records Management
- Information Management
- Heritage Preservation
- Data Organisation
- Archive Administration
- Digital Preservation
- Research
- Documentation
- Professional Communication
- Public Sector Administration
Career Opportunities
This internship can prepare graduates for careers such as:
- Archivist
- Records Manager
- Information Officer
- Heritage Officer
- Digital Preservation Specialist
- Records Administrator
- Museum Collections Officer
- Information Management Officer
- Library and Archive Professional
Application Tips
To improve your chances:
- Apply only for positions matching your qualification.
- Use the correct reference number.
- Include your preferred location in the email subject line.
- Ensure all documents are certified.
- Submit clear and readable copies.
- Apply before the closing date.
Where to Apply
Applications must be emailed to:
Email: pesp7internship@nfvf.co.za
Email Subject Example
EC.01 – Assistant Archivist – Gqeberha
Applicants should use the correct reference number and preferred location in the subject line.
Closing Date
📅 Closing Date: 3 August 2026
Late applications may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is recruiting?
The internship programme is offered by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF).
How many internship posts are available?
A total of 200 Assistant Archivist internship positions are available nationwide.
Which provinces have opportunities?
Internships are available in:
- Western Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Northern Cape
- Free State
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Gauteng
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- North West
- NARSSA Pretoria
Which qualifications are accepted?
Depending on the location:
- Archival Studies
- Information Science
- Records Management
- Heritage Studies
- Film Studies
- Sound Engineering
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Is work experience required?
The programme is designed for graduates seeking practical workplace experience.
How do I apply?
Email your application to:
using the correct reference number and location in the subject line.
When do applications close?
Applications close on 3 August 2026.
Editorial Policy
This article has been independently prepared using publicly available information released by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) regarding the PESP7 Digitisation Internship Programme 2026. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NFVF. Applicants should consult the official vacancy advertisement for the latest requirements, reference numbers, and application instructions before submitting their applications.
Sources and References
- National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)
- Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP)
- National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA)
- Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
