The National Youth Service (NYS) Programme Phase V is now accepting applications for 100,000 community service opportunities across all nine provinces of South Africa. The programme is aimed at unemployed young people who want to gain valuable work experience, develop practical skills, and contribute to their communities while earning a monthly stipend.
Successful participants will take part in a six-month programme and receive approximately R1,547 per month based on an hourly rate of R24.18.
Application Closing Date: 30 August 2026
Programme Location: Nationwide – All 9 Provinces, South Africa
National Youth Service (NYS) Programme Phase V 2026 Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | National Youth Service (NYS) Phase V |
| Number of Opportunities | 100,000 |
| Programme Duration | 6 Months (384 Hours) |
| Location | Nationwide (All 9 Provinces) |
| Monthly Stipend | Approximately R1,547 |
| Hourly Rate | R24.18 per hour |
| Application Platform | SA Youth |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Data Required | No data required to access SA Youth |
| Closing Date | 30 August 2026 |
About the National Youth Service (NYS) Programme
The National Youth Service (NYS) is a government-supported programme designed to provide unemployed young South Africans with structured community service opportunities while helping them gain practical workplace experience.
Rather than offering traditional employment, the programme focuses on:
- Community service
- Skills development
- Personal growth
- Work readiness
- Civic participation
Participants contribute to projects that improve local communities while building experience that can strengthen future job, internship, learnership, and bursary applications.
Community Service Opportunities
Successful applicants may be placed in various community development projects, including:
Sports and Recreation
Participants may assist with:
- Community sporting events
- Youth sports programmes
- Recreational activities
- Wellness initiatives
Community Works, Revitalisation and Greening
Projects may include:
- Environmental initiatives
- Community clean-up campaigns
- Public space improvements
- Beautification projects
Learner Support Programmes
Participants may assist with:
- Tutoring learners
- Homework support
- School-based educational activities
- Learning support programmes
Early Childhood Development (ECD)
Opportunities may include:
- Supporting ECD centres
- Assisting educators
- Child development activities
- Classroom support
Food Security and Nutrition
Projects may involve:
- Community food gardens
- Nutrition awareness campaigns
- Food support initiatives
Arts, Culture and Entertainment
Participants may assist with:
- Community arts projects
- Heritage programmes
- Cultural events
Social Support Services
Projects may include:
- Community outreach
- Supporting vulnerable groups
- Social assistance programmes
Surveys and Digital Mapping
Participants may assist with:
- Community surveys
- Data collection
- Digital mapping projects
Youth Voter Education
Activities may include:
- Civic education
- Youth participation campaigns
- Democratic awareness initiatives
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Have a valid South African ID
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be unemployed
- Preferably not be studying or participating in another employment programme
- Live within or near the municipality where the project is located
- Be willing to participate in community service
- Be committed to completing the programme
- Not have participated in previous phases of the National Youth Service Programme
Priority Will Be Given To
Preference will be given to:
- Youth who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)
- Young people living with disabilities
- Unemployed South African youth
Young people living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Fresh listings:
Stipend and Benefits
Successful participants will receive:
- Hourly Rate: R24.18
- Monthly Stipend: Approximately R1,547
- Approximately 64 working hours per month
In addition to the stipend, participants will benefit from:
- Practical work experience
- Community service experience
- Skills development
- Improved employability
- Professional networking opportunities
- Personal growth and confidence building
Programme Duration
The programme runs for:
- Six months, or
- 384 programme hours
Participants are expected to remain committed throughout the entire programme.
Available Opportunity Categories
The current intake includes opportunities such as:
- Content Creator
- Office Administrator Assistant
- Desktop Support Technician Assistant
- General Worker Assistant
- Cleaner Assistant
- Queue Management Assistant
- Educator Assistant
- Kitchen Assistant
- Gardener Assistant
- Administrative Assistant
Opportunities are available through community organisations, Early Childhood Development centres, clinics, and non-profit organisations across various provinces.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the SA Youth platform.
Content Creator: Diepsloot: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2104353
Office Administrator Assistant: Ikamva Youth Centre: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2105797
Desktop Support Technician Assistant: Ikamva Youth Centre: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2105803
Office Administrator Assistant: The B.E.A.R Foundation: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2105821
Office Administrator Assistant: OR Tambo Clinic: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2105831
General Worker Assistant: OR Tambo Clinic: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2105839
Cleaner Assistant: OR Tambo Clinic: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2105844
Queue Management Assistant: OR Tambo Clinic: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2105854
Educator Assistant: Baitshepi Pre-School: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2105936
Kitchen Assistant: Baitshepi Pre-School: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2105940
Cleaner Assistant: Baitshepi Pre-School: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2105942
Kitchen Assistant: Riwanadakalo Child Care: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2108528
Educator Assistant: Riwanadakalo Child Care: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2108530
Educator Assistant: Riwanadakalo Child Care: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2108532
Cleaner Assistant: Riwanadakalo Child Care: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2108534
Educator Assistant: New Apostolic ECD: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2108595
Educator Assistant: New Apostolic ECD: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2108599
Cleaner Assistant: New Apostolic ECD: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2108601
Gardener Assistant: New Apostolic ECD: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2108603
Educator Assistant: Sedibeng Day Care: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2108624
Admin Assistant: Sedibeng Day Care: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2108626
Educator Assistant: Philile ECD: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2108646
Kitchen Assistant: Philile ECD: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2108656
Educator Assistant: Onalenna ECD: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2109033
Cleaner Assistant: Onalenna ECD: https://sayouth.mobi/p/yx2lz300/o/2109035
There is no application fee, and the platform can be accessed without using mobile data.
Applicants should:
- Register or log in to their SA Youth profile.
- Search for available National Youth Service (NYS) Phase V opportunities in their area.
- Apply for positions that match their location and interests.
- Complete all required information before submitting the application.
Because opportunities are listed by organisation and location, applicants are encouraged to regularly check the platform for new vacancies in their communities.
Important Notes
Applicants should remember that:
- Applications are free.
- No data is required to use the SA Youth platform.
- Opportunities are available across all nine provinces.
- Selection is based on programme requirements and available opportunities.
- Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee placement.
Application Closing Date
Closing Date: 30 August 2026
Interested applicants should submit their applications as early as possible, as opportunities may fill quickly in certain communities.
Conclusion
The National Youth Service (NYS) Phase V Programme 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for 100,000 unemployed South African youth to gain meaningful work experience while making a positive impact in their communities. With a monthly stipend of approximately R1,547, structured community service, and valuable skills development, the programme can serve as a stepping stone to future employment, internships, learnerships, or further education. If you are between 18 and 35 years old, unemployed, and committed to community development, be sure to apply through the SA Youth platform before the 30 August 2026 closing date.