Are you a young South African looking for real work experience and a chance to help preserve our nation’s history? The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), together with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, is rolling out a huge hiring spree under the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme Phase 6 (PESP 6). This is a first‑time opportunity to join a digitisation project at the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA) in Pretoria.
What is the PESP Phase 6 opportunity?
The Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme is a government-backed initiative that places unemployed youth in temporary roles to build professional skills. In this phase, NFVF is looking for over 100 interns and support staff to digitise and manage historic film, video, and archival records.
Who should apply?
- South African citizen
- Unemployed at the time of application
- Aged 35 years or younger
- Grade 10 to university degree holder (different roles for different education levels)
- Not previously part of a PESP project (to give fresh candidates a chance)
What you gain
Besides a decent stipend and a foot‑in‑door to the heritage sector, you’ll learn:
- Digital scanning and archival best practices
- Audio‑visual preservation techniques
- IT systems support for a public‑sector agency
- Office management and administrative workflows
These skills can open doors to future roles in libraries, museums, or media companies.
Available positions
The programme offers roles for a wide range of skill sets:
Entry‑Level (Grade 10‑12)
- Scanner Operators
- Archive Assistant Housekeeping
- Conservation Assistants
- Principal Auxiliary Officers (requires Grade 12 + Code 10 Licence & PDP)
Professional & Graduate (Diploma/degree)
- Archivists – 15+ posts for those with Archival Studies or related degrees
- Audio‑Visual Preservation – film, video and sound preservation roles
- IT & Systems Support – IT graduates (MCSE required for System Admin)
- Administration Officers – for Public Admin or Office Management graduates
While your application is processed, you might also consider the latest iStore Casual Roles 2026 – a Matric‑level, customer‑facing option that could keep you busy and paid.
How to apply
Send your application by 8 April 2026 to vacancies@nfvf.co.za with the subject line RECR/PESP 6/03/26. Include:
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Certified qualifications
- Certified driver’s licence (if applicable)
Make sure your documents are clear, recent (within the last three months), and certified to avoid delays.
Pro‑tips to boost your chances
Many applicants struggle with a cluttered CV or missing certifications. From experience, most successful candidates keep their CV simple, proof‑read, and free of typos. Because the work is based in Pretoria, mentioning your proximity or willingness to commute to NARSSA in your cover letter can give you an edge over applicants from other provinces.
Next steps
Don’t let this window pass you by. Gather your documents, craft a clean CV, and email your application before the deadline. Even if you’re a Grade 10 student, there are entry‑level roles that could kickstart a career in heritage. Good luck, and keep pushing forward – this is your chance to learn, earn, and contribute to South Africa’s cultural legacy.