The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), through the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme Phase 7 (PESP7), is helping to bridge this gap by recruiting Assistant Archivists for projects across South Africa. The initiative offers unemployed graduates an opportunity to gain valuable experience while contributing to the preservation of the country’s documentary and audiovisual heritage.
Unlike many temporary employment opportunities that focus only on short-term work, this programme allows participants to become part of projects that protect historical records, improve access to information and support the digitisation of valuable archival collections. The experience gained can strengthen a graduate’s professional profile and open doors to future careers in archives, museums, libraries, records management, heritage institutions and government departments.
Why Archive Professionals Are Becoming Increasingly Important
The way organisations store information has changed dramatically over the last decade. Paper files are steadily being converted into digital records, historical photographs are being preserved electronically and government departments are modernising their document management systems.
This shift has increased demand for professionals who understand archival principles, records management and digital preservation.
Archivists today do much more than organise old files. They help institutions preserve history, manage information securely and ensure that valuable records remain accessible for future generations. They also support transparency, accountability and research by maintaining organised collections that can be used by students, historians, government departments and the public.
As South Africa continues investing in digital transformation, graduates with practical archival experience are likely to find new opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
About the NFVF Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme
The National Film and Video Foundation, working with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, is implementing this project under the Seventh Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme.
The initiative aims to provide employment while supporting the preservation and digitisation of South Africa’s archival collections.
Successful applicants will assist experienced professionals with projects such as:
- Digitising historical records
- Arranging archival collections
- Cataloguing documents
- Preserving photographs and audiovisual material
- Managing records
- Supporting research services
- Assisting with reading room operations
- Conserving important historical collections
These responsibilities provide practical workplace exposure while helping preserve South Africa’s cultural and documentary heritage.
Opportunities Available Across South Africa
One of the biggest advantages of this programme is its national reach.
Assistant Archivist opportunities are available in:
- Gauteng
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Eastern Cape
- Western Cape
- Free State
- North West
- Northern Cape
- National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (Pretoria)
Because projects differ from one province to another, successful applicants may work on specialised activities including oral history preservation, records management, conservation, digitisation or archival arrangement.
This variety allows graduates to gain experience in different aspects of archival science while contributing to nationally significant preservation projects.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is intended for unemployed South African graduates who want to build practical workplace experience within the archives, heritage and information management sectors.
Depending on the advertised position, applicants may hold qualifications in:
- Archives and Records Management
- Information Science
- Library and Information Studies
- Heritage Studies
- Film Studies
- Audiovisual Preservation
- Information Technology
- Related disciplines specified in the advertisement
Applicants should also meet the age requirement of 35 years or younger and satisfy the qualification requirements for the province they are applying to.
Why This Opportunity Matters in 2026
Digital transformation is changing how governments, universities, museums and businesses preserve information. Organisations increasingly require professionals who understand both traditional records management and modern digital preservation methods.
Participating in the NFVF PESP7 programme allows graduates to gain practical experience that extends beyond theoretical learning.
Rather than simply adding another qualification to a CV, participants gain exposure to real workplace environments where they learn professional standards, teamwork, project planning and information management practices.
For many graduates, this experience becomes the foundation for future employment in archives, research institutions, government departments and heritage organisations.
Qualifications That Can Make You Eligible
The Assistant Archivist opportunities are open to graduates with qualifications relevant to archives, information management and heritage preservation. The exact qualification depends on the province and project, so applicants should read the requirements carefully before applying.
Relevant qualifications may include:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Archives and Records Management
- Diploma in Archival Studies
- Information Science
- Library and Information Science
- Heritage Studies
- Film Studies
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Sound Engineering (for selected audiovisual projects)
Applicants should only apply for positions that match their qualifications and experience.
Skills You Can Gain Through This Programme
Although the programme has a fixed duration, it offers practical workplace experience that can strengthen your professional profile.
Successful participants may develop skills in:
- Digital records management
- Archival arrangement and description
- Electronic document preservation
- Records classification
- Information governance
- Digitisation techniques
- Metadata management
- Research support
- Team collaboration
- Professional communication
These skills are valuable because many organisations are modernising how they store and protect information.
Career Opportunities After the Programme
Experience gained during the NFVF Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme can support future employment in both the public and private sectors.
Possible career paths include:
- Assistant Archivist
- Records Management Officer
- Information Officer
- Digital Archivist
- Museum Collections Assistant
- Heritage Officer
- Documentation Specialist
- Library Assistant
- Information Management Administrator
- Research Support Officer
Many employers value candidates who already understand professional records management and digital preservation practices.
How to Submit Your Application
Applications must be submitted by email.
Email Address
Applicants should:
- Use the correct job reference number in the email subject line.
- Clearly indicate the province or project they are applying for.
- Attach all required supporting documents.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
Submitting early is recommended to avoid delays caused by internet or email issues.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of academic qualifications
- Certified academic transcripts where applicable
- Certified driver’s licence if required for the specific post
Ensure all documents are clear, readable and recently certified if certification is requested.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Closing Date | 3 August 2026 |
| Expected Project Start | 24 August 2026 |
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
A strong application shows professionalism and attention to detail.
Before submitting your application:
- Tailor your CV to highlight archival, records management or information management experience.
- Include university projects that demonstrate research or document management skills.
- Double-check that your contact details are correct.
- Review your attachments before sending the email.
- Read the advert carefully to ensure you meet the requirements.
These small steps can help create a positive impression.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applications are unsuccessful because applicants overlook simple requirements.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Applying without meeting the qualification requirements.
- Sending incomplete documentation.
- Using the wrong job reference number.
- Forgetting to indicate the province or project.
- Waiting until the closing date to submit your application.
- Providing outdated contact information.
Taking time to review your application can improve your chances of being shortlisted.
Why This Programme Is Worth Considering
The NFVF Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme is about more than temporary employment. It gives graduates practical experience while contributing to the preservation of South Africa’s documentary heritage.
Participants gain exposure to professional archival environments, learn recognised records management practices and develop transferable skills that are useful across government, education, heritage, research and corporate sectors.
As organisations continue investing in digital preservation and information management, graduates with practical archival experience are likely to remain valuable in the job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply?
South African graduates aged 35 years or younger who meet the qualification requirements for the advertised Assistant Archivist positions.
2. Where are the opportunities available?
Positions are available across all nine provinces as well as at the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA) in Pretoria.
3. How do I apply?
Applications should be emailed to pesp7internship@nfvf.co.za before the closing date, together with all required supporting documents.
4. What qualifications are accepted?
Accepted qualifications vary by project and may include Archives and Records Management, Information Science, Library Science, Heritage Studies, Film Studies, ICT and related fields.
5. Does this programme guarantee permanent employment?
No. The programme provides valuable workplace experience but does not guarantee permanent employment. However, the practical skills gained can strengthen future job applications.
Final Thoughts
The NFVF Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP7) 2026 offers an opportunity for unemployed graduates to gain meaningful workplace experience while contributing to the preservation of South Africa’s documentary heritage. Beyond supporting digitisation projects, participants build skills in records management, information governance and archival preservation that remain relevant in an increasingly digital world.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, prepare your application carefully, submit all required documents before 3 August 2026, and ensure you apply for the correct provincial opportunity. A complete and well-prepared application can be the first step towards a rewarding career in archives, heritage management and information services.
Natasha Langeni writes for Learnseta, sharing learnership and career opportunities that empower South African youth. She is passionate about skills development and connecting learners with programs that open doors to brighter futures.
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