More than 100 opportunities are opening through the NFVF National Archives Digitisation Project in Pretoria, giving unemployed South African youth a chance to gain real work experience in archives, digitisation, administration, IT, and preservation. With roles ranging from Grade 10 level to degree-qualified positions, this is one of the standout youth opportunities closing soon in April 2026.
The NFVF, in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, is recruiting unemployed South African youth for the National Archives Digitisation Project in Pretoria under PESP Phase 6. The programme offers more than 100 placement opportunities across 20-plus job categories, with entry requirements ranging from Grade 10 to degree level. Applications close on 08 April 2026.
For many young people, this is more than a temporary placement.
It is a chance to step into a real working environment, build experience, and be part of preserving South Africa’s historical records for future generations.
What is the NFVF National Archives Digitisation Project?
The National Film and Video Foundation is working with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to support the digitisation of national records at the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa in Pretoria.
This forms part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme Phase 6, also known as PESP Phase 6.
The project is designed to do two important things at once: create work opportunities for unemployed youth and protect South Africa’s cultural and documentary heritage through digitisation.
That means successful applicants will not only gain work exposure, but also contribute to a national preservation effort.
Who can apply for the NFVF PESP Phase 6 opportunity?
This opportunity is aimed at unemployed South African youth who are 35 years old or younger.
Applicants must also meet the qualification requirements for the role they choose. The programme includes positions for candidates with:
- ABET Level 4
- Grade 10
- Grade 12
- Diplomas
- Degrees
That wide qualification range makes this project especially appealing.
It is not limited to graduates only. School leavers and candidates with entry-level qualifications may also find roles they qualify for.
Which positions are available in the project?
The programme includes 20-plus job categories and more than 100 placement opportunities.
These roles are spread across archives, digitisation, preservation, administration, technical support, and IT.
What archivist roles are available?
Several positions are aimed at candidates with a diploma or degree in archival studies or a related field.
These include:
- Archivist: Arrangement and Description (15 posts)
- Archivist: Outreach and Publications (2 posts)
- Archivist: Oral History (2 posts)
These roles focus on organising, describing, interpreting, and documenting national records.
They are ideal for applicants interested in archives, heritage work, and historical record management.
What assistant archivist roles are available?
Assistant Archivist posts are available in several categories, with minimum requirements depending on the specific role.
Positions include:
- Assistant Archivist: Arrangement and Description
- Assistant Archivist: Reading Room
- Assistant Archivist: Cartographic Material
- Assistant Archivist: Strong Room Registers
- Sensitive Records Assistant Archivist
These roles support document handling, record storage, retrieval systems, and archive access services.
For candidates who want practical experience inside a professional archive setting, these placements can be highly valuable.
Are there audio-visual preservation jobs?
Yes. The project also includes roles for applicants with qualifications in film, engineering, archival science, or audio production.
Available roles include:
- Film and Video Preservation Assistants
- Sound Preservation Assistants
- Legal Deposit Audio-Visual Assistants
These positions may appeal to young people interested in:
- film archiving
- broadcasting
- media preservation
- post-production technology
- audio-visual heritage management
This is one of the most interesting parts of the programme because it combines heritage work with technical media preservation.
What administration and records jobs are available?
Applicants with a diploma or degree in office administration or public administration may qualify for roles such as:
- Administration Officer
- Sensitive Records Admin Officer
- Records Management Officer
These jobs can help candidates build solid experience in office systems, records management, and public sector administration.
Are there IT roles in the project?
Yes. The project includes digital and systems-related opportunities for applicants with Information Technology qualifications.
Positions include:
- Systems Administrator (MCSE required)
- IT Support Officer
These roles support the digital systems behind archival preservation and document digitisation.
For young people looking to gain workplace exposure in IT, this can be a strong addition to a CV.
Are there entry-level jobs for Grade 10 or Grade 12 applicants?
Yes, and that is one of the biggest reasons this opportunity stands out.
Some roles are open to candidates with school-level qualifications, making the programme more accessible to youth who do not yet have a diploma or degree.
Examples include:
- Scanner Operator
- Archive Assistant Housekeeping
- Conservation Assistant
- Assistant Archivist in selected categories
These entry-level roles can offer hands-on exposure to records handling, document care, scanning processes, and archive operations.
Is there a driving or technical support role?
There are also specialised roles for applicants with specific practical qualifications.
The Principal Auxiliary Officer position requires:
- Grade 12
- a valid Code 10 driver’s licence
- a PDP
The Maintenance Officer role requires a qualification in the built environment.
These positions may suit candidates with technical, operational, or transport-related experience.
What are the minimum requirements to qualify?
To apply, candidates must:
- be South African citizens
- be unemployed
- be 35 years old or younger
- meet the qualification requirements for the position
- submit all required documents
Applicants who have previously participated in PESP projects are discouraged from applying.
That is an important detail to note before preparing your application.
Which documents must be submitted?
Applicants need to send a complete application with supporting documents.
Required documents include:
- an updated CV
- a certified copy of ID
- certified copies of qualifications
- a certified driver’s licence where required for the role
Incomplete applications could reduce your chances, so document preparation matters.
Where will the programme take place?
All placements will be based at the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa (NARSSA) in Pretoria.
This location offers exposure to:
- national heritage systems
- archival infrastructure
- digitisation workflows
- government records environments
- professional preservation practices
For many applicants, this kind of workplace experience can become a strong stepping stone to future roles in government, archives, administration, heritage, and media preservation.
What screening process should applicants expect?
Successful candidates will go through a verification and screening process.
This may include:
- citizenship verification
- criminal background checks
- qualification verification
Applicants who do not receive feedback within 30 days after the closing date should regard their application as unsuccessful.
How do you apply for the NFVF National Archives Digitisation Project?
Applications must be submitted by email.
Send your abridged CV and supporting documents to the online application email portal for NFVF recruitment using vacancies@nfvf.co.za.
Use the reference number: RECR/PESP 6/03/26
The closing date is 08 April 2026.
Late applications will not be considered.
Why is this opportunity worth serious attention?
Youth employment opportunities linked to national institutions do not open every day, especially those offering a mix of entry-level and graduate roles under one programme.
This project stands out because it gives applicants a chance to gain structured work exposure while contributing to something bigger than a single job post.
It is employment, skills exposure, and national heritage preservation in one opportunity.
For candidates who want experience in archives, administration, scanning, preservation, records, logistics, or IT, this recruitment drive could be the opening they have been waiting for.
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Final Thoughts
The NFVF National Archives Digitisation Project under PESP Phase 6 is a major opportunity for unemployed South African youth who want meaningful work exposure in 2026. With roles available for applicants from Grade 10 level up to degree holders, the programme opens the door to a wide range of candidates. Those who qualify should prepare their documents early and submit before 08 April 2026.
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