The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) at Stellenbosch University is officially recruiting for its 2026 YES (Youth Employment Service) Internship Programme. This is a prestigious opportunity to work under the leadership of world-class academics and social justice advocates in the heart of the Western Cape.
Starting soon, these roles are designed for graduates who are passionate about constitutionalism, social equity, and public policy.
Available Career Streams
The CSJ is looking for a diverse cohort of researchers and practitioners to support their various social impact pillars:
- Legal Intern: Assisting with constitutional research, case law analysis, and social justice advocacy.
- Public Policy & Administration: Researching legislative frameworks and supporting the administration of justice-led initiatives.
- Political Science & Social Sciences: Deep-diving into the political and social dynamics that affect equality in South Africa.
- Statistics / Data Analysis: Turning social data into actionable insights for policy recommendations.
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E): Tracking the impact and effectiveness of the Centre’s various programmes.
- PR / Marketing / Journalism: Crafting the narrative of social justice through storytelling, media relations, and digital communication.
The YES Programme Advantage
The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a business-led collaboration with the government to tackle youth unemployment. By joining Stellenbosch University through this stream, you will:
- Gain 12 months of high-level academic and professional experience.
- Receive a formal certificate of completion from the YES initiative.
- Build a professional network within the Social Justice and Higher Education sectors.
Minimum Requirements
- Education: A relevant Degree or Diploma in the specified fields.
- Status: Currently unemployed and have not participated in a YES programme before.
- Location: Based in or able to commute to Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
- Attributes: Strong research skills, ethical integrity, and a commitment to the values of the CSJ.
Interview Prep: Possible Questions
- “What does ‘Social Justice’ mean to you in the current South African context?”
- Tip: “It’s about more than just equality; it’s about equity. It means addressing the structural imbalances of the past to ensure that every citizen has the same access to opportunities, regardless of their background.”
- “How do you handle research tasks that involve sensitive or polarizing social issues?”
- Tip: “I approach them with objectivity and empathy. I rely on verified data and diverse perspectives to ensure that the findings are robust and reflect the complexities of the constitutional mandate.”
- “How would you apply your specific degree (e.g., Stats or Journalism) to the goals of the CSJ?”
- Tip: For Stats: “I would use data to highlight areas where social justice is lagging, making the case for policy change undeniable.” For Journalism: “I would give a voice to the voiceless by telling the stories of those impacted by systemic inequality.”
Career Advice for CSJ Applicants
- Stellenbosch Lifestyle: This is an on-site role at the University. Ensure you have planned for the logistics of living or commuting to Stellenbosch.
- Highlight Your “Activism”: If you were involved in student politics, community upliftment, or volunteer work, make sure it is prominent on your CV. The CSJ looks for people with a “heart” for the work.
- Check the Links: Each stream has a specific application link. Ensure you are applying to the correct one and that your cover letter is tailored to that specific discipline.
- Act Fast: The deadline is 27 March 2026. With less than a week left, ensure all your documents (ID, Degree, Transcript) are certified and ready for upload.
Application Summary
- Organization: Centre for Social Justice (CSJ)
- Location: Stellenbosch University
- Salary: R8,192 per month
- Closing Date: 27 March 2026
- Duration: 12 Months (YES Programme)
Apply here
This Stellenbosch University Social Justice Internship 2026 is the premier YES Programme Vacancy in the Western Cape. Individuals searching for Social Science Graduate Jobs 2026 or Legal Internships Stellenbosch will find this CSJ recruitment ideal for professional growth. It is an excellent Public Policy and M&E entry-level role for those seeking Human Rights and Data Analysis experience. For candidates tracking SAYouth and YES Programme opportunities, this role offers a stable path into Academic Research and Social Advocacy.
#YESProgramme #StellenboschUniversity #SocialJustice #GraduateJobs #LegalIntern #PublicPolicy #WesternCapeJobs #JobWise #SAYouth