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Are unpaid internships worth it in South Africa?

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No matter how unqualified you are, no one enjoys working for free, as unpaid internships are viewed. There are a lot of benefits that come with an internship, but having an unpaid internship can also be demoralizing. We are going to unpack the pros and cons of unpaid internships in South Africa, weigh options and see if it’s worth it, and also learn how to turn an internship into a full-time paid job.

What Are Unpaid Internships?

A work placement aimed at helping either a fresh graduate or a person with no experience gain practical work experience, learn the ropes of the role in the intended industry, and also expand their professional network. An unpaid internship does not have an allowance or stipend as other internships do and usually lasts between 3 and 12 months.

How Much Can You Expect to Earn in a Paid Internship in South Africa?

Securing a paid internship in South Africa would be a great opportunity, and the salary expectation would depend on the industry you are in. Industries that require specialized skills are usually the ones that offer paid internships. Here are the stipend expectations for different industries:

  • IT and Technology: R6,500–R12,000 per month.
  • Finance and Accounting: R6,500–R12,000 per month.
  • Marketing and Sales: R6,800–R9,000 per month.
  • Healthcare and Social Work: R5,500–R8,000 per month.
  • Engineering: R6,500–R14,000 per month.

Turning an Unpaid Internship Into a Paid Job

The following strategies will help increase your chances of turning your unpaid internship into a full-time paid position: 

1. Overdeliver

  • Work as hard as you would do if you were getting paid for a full-time job and produce high-quality work
  • Be proactive and and get additional tasks

2. Network Internally

  • Have a good relationship with your supervisors, managers and colleagues
  • As for help and guidance throughout your work and encouraging feedback on where you can improve  

3. Showcase Your Value

  • Document all your accomplishments and valuable contributions, such as projects completed
  • Bring to light your positive impact on the company.

4. Express Your Intentions

  • Enlighten  your supervisor about your interest in joining the organization on a full-time basis 
  • Always be on the lookout for internal job openings that you can apply for during your internship

The YES Program: A Game-Changer for Paid Opportunities

One opportunity that is beneficial to candidates considering a paid internship is the Youth Employment Service (YES) Program, where South African youth are given opportunities to gain experience working for an organisation and getting paid for it.

About the YES Program

  • Program Duration: 12 months.
  • Expected Stipend: R3,500–R6,000 per month.
  • Industries Covered: Retail, IT, customer service, and administration.
  • Requirements to qualify: South African citizen aged between 18 and 35 with a valid ID and matric certificate.

How to Decide if an Unpaid Internship Is Worth It

You may consider exploring these questions when planning to accept an unpaid internship:

  • Will the internship add value towards your career goal?
  • Will the internship equip you with specialized skills and experience that you wouldn’t get anywhere else where you would get paid?
  • Does your finances allow you to work the given duration without any financial aid?

If all the answers to the questions are yes, then you may consider looking at the positive side of gaining experience and career growth.

Reputable Companies Offering Paid Internships in South Africa

You are highly likely to be offered paid internships in the following companies:

Discovery

  • Sector: IT, Marketing, Actuarial Science.
  • Program Duration: 12 months.
  • Average Stipend: R8,000–R15,000 per month.

Nestlé South Africa

  • Sector: Supply Chain, R&D, Sales.
  • Program Duration: 12 months.
  • Average Stipend: R10,000–R18,000 per month.

Unilever

  • Sector: Manufacturing, HR, Finance.
  • Program Duration: 6–12 months.
  • Average Stipend: R10,000–R20,000 per month.

PWC

  • Sector: Auditing, Consulting, IT.
  • Program Duration: 12 months.
  • Average Stipend: R8,000–R12,000 per month.

What to Expect During an Internship

  • The first step is getting training sessions and being shown ropes on how the company functions
  • You will be appointed a mentor to guide you through your work during your internship
  • You will start getting tasks that will build your skills
  • There will be weekly or bi weekly feedback sessions to monitor your performance and growth

Consider Applying For Zero-Experience Jobs on Lynn Fitho Job Board

Not everyone can afford an unpaid internship, no matter the benefit it brings. Consider exploring Lynn Fitho job board and applying for the roles available that do not require experience to be hired. You will be trained on the job and earn while you are learning.

  • Retail Assistant: Expected Salary: R4,500–R8,000 per month.
  • Call Center Agent: Expected Salary: R5,000–R12,000 per month.
  • Junior Administrator: Expected Salary: R5,000–R10,000 per month.

Are unpaid internships legal in South Africa?

Unpaid internships are legal in South Africa as long as they comply with conditions set by labour laws. Interns are usually not considered employees under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), so legal aspects of it may be blurry. Understanding the following may help you:

  • Employment Status: You may not be considered an employee if you are getting training from the company, but your daily duties do directly benefit the employer.
  • Stipend or Remuneration: There is no legal obligation from employers to pay their interns unless there is a written contract stating that.
  • Fair Treatment: The constitution gives interns rights to a safe working environment and fair treatment.

Key Labor Laws Relevant to Internships

  1. Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
    The BCEA protects employees from unfair treatment, but they do not consider interns as employees unless stated otherwise through a contract.
  2. Skills Development Act (SDA)
  3. The SDA encourages employers to offer paid internships supporting internships aimed at skill-building.
  4. National Minimum Wage Act (NMWA)
    If an intern is assigned tasks that contribute to the company’s operations, then they may qualify as an employee and entitled to a minimum wage of R25.42 per hour (since 2024)

How Does An Unpaid Internship Cross Illegal Boundaries?

An unpaid internship may become illegal if:

  • When you perform the same duties as a paid employee without training
  • When interns work excessive hours without pay
  • When the internship does not come in any written contract, and what your duties are

What Can You Do If You Feel Exploited?

  1. Arrange a meeting with your mentor or employer to address your concerns
  2. If your concerns are not taken into consideration, then you can contact the Department of Employment and labour.
  3. Seek legal advice in organisations like Legal Aid South Africa

Conclusion

Unpaid internships can only be beneficial if you can afford to work for that period without any kind of compensation and when your internship offers specialized skills that you wouldn’t acquire anywhere else. Before you accept that unpaid internship, try programs like the YES program and the companies listed that offer paid internships. Either this comes back to how beneficial this internship can be for our career growth and how good it would look on your CV.

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