✅ Attention Job Seekers: Be sure to read through the entire post for important details! You'll find the application link or email provided at the end of the post.
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for Assistant Archivist vacancies under the PESP7 Digitisation Project. The closing date for applications is 03 August 2026.
What the project is about
The NFVF, together with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, is launching a PESP7 digitisation internship to help the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA) and its provincial archives move old papers, photos, films and sound recordings into digital form.
The work will start on 24 August 2026 and will take place in all nine provinces, plus the National Archives in Pretoria.
Who can apply
- South African graduates or unemployed youth 35 years or younger.
- You must have a diploma or degree in a field such as archival studies, information science, film, sound, heritage or IT.
- People who have already taken part in a PESP project should not apply.
- If a province has more than one site, tell us which site you prefer in your application.
Assistant Archivist vacancies
| Province / Site | Reference | Locations (pick one) | Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Cape | WC.01 | Cape Town | 10 |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | KZN.01 | Ulundi, Durban, Pietermaritzburg | 22 |
| North West | NW.01 | Mahikeng | 22 |
| Limpopo | LMP.01 | Polokwane, Makwarela, Giyani, Lebowakgomo | 20 |
| Mpumalanga | MP.01 | Mbombela | 22 |
| Eastern Cape | EC.01 | Qonce, Gqeberha, Mthatha | 22 |
| Gauteng | GP.01 | Kagiso, Johannesburg | 22 |
| Northern Cape | NC.01 | Kimberley & surrounding districts | 22 |
| Free State | FS.01 | Bloemfontein | 15 |
| NARSSA – Pretoria | NARSSA.01 | Pretoria (National Archives) | 23 |
| Total | – | – | 200 |
Minimum qualification for most posts
-
Four‑year diploma or three‑year degree in one of the following:
- Archival Studies
- Information Science
- Film Studies
- Sound Engineering
-
For the Eastern Cape vacancies, acceptable qualifications are:
- Bachelor’s degree (3 years) in Archives and Records Management, or
- Post‑graduate diploma in the same field
-
Northern Cape also accepts degrees in Heritage Studies or ICT.
Typical duties you may perform
- Digitising paper documents, photographs, film and audio recordings.
- Scanning and organising historical files for online access.
- Describing and arranging collections so they are easy to find.
- Helping with records‑management and appraisal (deciding what to keep or discard).
- Supporting oral‑history interviews and recording community stories.
- Taking part in conservation of film, sound tapes and fragile paper.
- Managing reading‑room services and strongroom (secure storage) upkeep.
- Providing assistance to researchers and the public who visit the archives.
- Using video cameras, editing software and other digital tools to preserve heritage material.
Documents you must attach
- Your curriculum vitae (CV).
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copy of a Driver’s licence (code 10) and PDP (if you have them).
- Certified copies of all qualifications and certificates.
Make sure every file is clear, legible and properly attached before you send your email.
How to apply
-
Prepare the documents listed above.
-
Send an email with the subject line “PESP7 Assistant Archivist Application – [Your Province]” to:
pesp7internship@nfvf.co.za
-
Include all required attachments and clearly state the province and site you are applying for.
The deadline for receiving applications is 03 August 2026.
Important reminders
- All candidates will undergo checks for citizenship, criminal record and qualification verification.
- If you do not hear back within 30 days after the closing date, your application will be considered unsuccessful.
- The NFVF reserves the right not to fill any position if it deems the applicant pool unsuitable.
Why this internship matters
South Africa’s history lives in old boxes, reels and tapes. By joining the PESP7 digitisation project you will help keep that history safe for future generations, learn valuable skills in archiving and digital preservation, and gain work experience that can launch a career in the cultural sector.
If you are a recent graduate or a young person looking for a meaningful start, this is a chance to make a real difference while building a professional résumé. Apply today and become part of a national effort to protect the country’s documentary heritage.