Apply for the GAAL Internship Programme 2026/27 at Polokwane International Airport. Opportunities available in ICT, Public Relations and Aviation Compliance. Monthly stipend of R7,000. Applications close 30 June 2026.

The Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL) has officially opened applications for its Internship Programme 2026/27, providing unemployed South African graduates with an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience at Polokwane International Airport. The programme is aimed at developing young professionals by exposing them to real-world work environments within the aviation and airport management sector.

Successful candidates will be appointed on a fixed-term contract for a period of 12 months and will receive a monthly stipend of R7,000. The programme is open to graduates who have completed relevant qualifications and have not previously participated in an internship programme.

About the GAAL Internship Programme

Gateway Airports Authority Limited is a provincially owned business enterprise responsible for the management and operation of Polokwane International Airport. Through this internship programme, the organisation aims to equip graduates with practical skills, workplace exposure and professional development opportunities that can improve their future employability.

The internship programme is particularly beneficial for graduates seeking to build careers in information technology, communications, public relations, aviation management and regulatory compliance.

Internship Programme Details

• Organisation: Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL)
• Programme: Internship Programme 2026/27
• Reference Number: Internship/GAAL/001/2026/27
• Location: Polokwane International Airport, Limpopo
• Duration: 12 Months
• Monthly Stipend: R7,000
• Application Closing Date: 30 June 2026 at 16:00

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the internship programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be between the ages of 18 and 35 years.
• Be currently unemployed.
• Hold a relevant National Diploma or Bachelor's Degree at NQF Level 6 or 7.
• Have no previous internship experience with GAAL or another organisation.
• No prior work experience is required.

Preference may be given to candidates residing within Limpopo Province. The organisation also encourages applications from people living with disabilities and candidates from designated Employment Equity groups.

Available Internship Opportunities

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Internship

Reference Number: ICT 01/26

Required Qualification:

• National Diploma or Degree in Information Technology or a related field.

Areas of Exposure:

• Computer system maintenance.
• IT troubleshooting and technical support.
• Network administration and monitoring.
• Electronic document management.
• Technology infrastructure support.

This internship is ideal for graduates looking to gain practical experience in IT operations, systems support and network management within a professional airport environment.

Public Relations Officer Internship

Reference Number: PRO 02/26

Required Qualification:

• National Diploma or Degree in Marketing Management.
• Public Relations.
• Media Studies.
• Journalism.
• Communications or related fields.

Areas of Exposure:

• Content development and creation.
• Communication campaigns.
• Digital and social media management.
• Brand awareness initiatives.
• Audience engagement strategies.

This opportunity offers valuable exposure to corporate communications, stakeholder engagement and digital media within the aviation sector.

Aviation Compliance Officer Internship

Reference Number: AC 03/26

Required Qualification:

• National Diploma or Degree in Aviation Management or a related qualification.

Areas of Exposure:

• Compliance monitoring and reporting.
• Regulatory audits and inspections.
• Aviation legislation and standards.
• Operational compliance reviews.
• Risk management support.

The internship provides graduates with practical knowledge of aviation regulations, airport compliance requirements and industry best practices.

Benefits of Joining the Programme

The GAAL Internship Programme offers more than workplace exposure. Interns will have an opportunity to:

• Gain practical industry experience.
• Work alongside experienced professionals.
• Develop workplace and technical skills.
• Build professional networks.
• Improve future employment prospects.
• Understand airport operations and aviation industry standards.

Application Process

Candidates interested in applying should prepare the following documents:

• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A motivational cover letter.
• Certified copies of qualifications.
• Certified copy of South African ID.
• Any additional supporting documents.

Applications should clearly indicate the relevant internship reference number in the subject line and be submitted to:

Email: HR.Admin@gaal.co.za

Applicants may also submit applications by post or hand delivery to the Human Resources Department at Gateway Airports Authority Limited.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo:

• Qualification verification.
• Reference checks.
• Criminal record screening.
• Security clearance procedures.
• Additional suitability assessments where applicable.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Important Information for Applicants

• Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• Incomplete applications may not be considered.
• Recruitment agency submissions will not be accepted.
• GAAL reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions.
• The organisation follows an Employment Equity recruitment process.

Why Consider an Aviation Internship?

The aviation industry remains one of the most specialised sectors in South Africa, offering career opportunities across airport management, technology, communications, compliance, safety and operations. Internship programmes such as this one help graduates bridge the gap between academic learning and practical workplace requirements.

For graduates seeking industry exposure while developing valuable professional skills, the GAAL Internship Programme 2026/27 presents an excellent opportunity to start building a career within the aviation environment.

Application Closing Date

All applications must be submitted on or before 30 June 2026 at 16:00. Late applications may not be considered.