Are you an unemployed graduate looking to make your mark on South Africa’s history? The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, is hiring 200 Assistant Archivists for the PESP7 Digitisation Project. This nationwide initiative offers young graduates the chance to preserve our country’s precious documentary and audiovisual records while gaining 12 months of valuable, structured workplace experience.
Opportunity Overview
- Organisation: National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF)
- Programme: Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP7)
- Project: NARSSA Archives Digitisation Project
- Position: Assistant Archivist (200 Posts)
- Duration: 12 Months (Project starts 24 August 2026)
- Target Applicants: Unemployed South African graduates (up to age 35)
- Key Benefits: Professional skills development, archival experience, and participation in a national heritage project.
Programme Breakdown
As an Assistant Archivist, you will be at the forefront of protecting South Africa’s heritage. You will work across various provincial and national archive sites, digitising physical records, scanning historical documents, and preserving audiovisual collections. This is a unique opportunity to gain technical skills in digitisation, records management, and conservation, all while contributing to the country’s economic recovery through the Presidential Employment Stimulus.
Provincial Breakdown (200 Posts Total)
| Province/Site | Positions | Province/Site | Positions |
| Western Cape | 10 | Mpumalanga | 22 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 22 | Eastern Cape | 22 |
| North West | 22 | Gauteng | 22 |
| Limpopo | 20 | Northern Cape | 22 |
| Free State | 15 | NARSSA (Pretoria) | 23 |
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
- Age: 35 years or younger.
- Education: A relevant 3-year degree or 4-year diploma (depending on the site).
- Fields of Study: Archival Studies, Information Science, Film Studies, Sound Engineering, Heritage Studies, or ICT.
- Exclusion: Candidates who previously participated in a PESP project are discouraged from applying.
Required Documents Checklist
Prepare these documents for your email submission:
- Abridged and updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of qualifications and relevant certificates
- Certified copy of driver’s licence (where applicable)
How to Apply Step-by-Step
- Select Your Site: Identify the reference number and the specific province/site you are applying for.
- Prepare Email: Draft an email to pesp7internship@nfvf.co.za.
- Subject Line: You must include the reference number in the subject line (e.g.,
LMP.01 – Assistant Archivist – Polokwane). - Attach: Attach your PDF documents (ensure they are clear).
- Send: Submit by the deadline.
Click here to apply for NFVF PESP7 Digitisation Internships 2026
Closing Date
Applications must be submitted via email no later than Monday, 03 August 2026, at 16:00.
Related Opportunity
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who can apply? Unemployed South African graduates (under 35) with relevant degrees/diplomas.
- Where will I work? In one of the nine provinces or at the National Archives in Pretoria.
- Can I apply if I’ve done PESP before? It is discouraged.
- How do I apply? By emailing your documents to pesp7internship@nfvf.co.za with the correct reference number.
- Is this a permanent job? No, it is a 12-month fixed-term stimulus project.
Why You Should Apply
This programme offers more than a salary; it offers a chance to participate in the formal preservation of South African history. The technical skills you learn—digitisation, scanning, and database management—are highly marketable in today’s digital-first economy.
Career Pathways
Participants will gain a competitive edge for careers in museums, government archives, film and production houses, private sector data management, and the heritage tourism industry.
Expert Guidance (Mbalizuke Nkosi)
“The most critical part of this application is the subject line,” says Mbalizuke Nkosi. “The NFVF is processing hundreds of applications—if your email doesn’t clearly state the reference number and the specific location (like Polokwane or Johannesburg), your application might be missed. Also, ensure your documents are combined into a single, clean PDF file to avoid your email being flagged as spam.”
Disclaimer
- Always apply through the official NFVF email address provided.
- Beware of scammers asking for payment to secure an interview.
- Applications submitted after 16:00 on the closing date will be disqualified.
Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to providing reliable information on opportunities, education, and career development. The platform serves students, graduates, job seekers, and young professionals by delivering accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand content.
Through informative and professionally curated content, YouthScope.co.za aims to equip young people with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
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