Jacaranda FM is inviting applications for its News Internship Programme 2026, offering aspiring journalists an opportunity to gain practical newsroom and radio broadcasting experience.
The internship is offered in partnership with VOW88.1 (Voice of Wits), a Wits University campus radio station that provides broadcast skills development for young people interested in pursuing careers in the broadcasting industry.
Successful interns will rotate every six weeks between Jacaranda FM in Midrand and VOW88.1 at Wits in Johannesburg for 12 months. The programme is designed to expose interns to different aspects of newsroom operations, journalism, radio production and current affairs.
If you are looking for journalism internships in South Africa, here is everything you need to know about the Jacaranda FM News Internship Programme 2026.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
| Programme | Jacaranda FM News Internship Programme 2026 |
| Company | Jacaranda FM |
| Opportunity Type | Internship |
| Field | Journalism / Broadcasting / News |
| Locations | Midrand and Johannesburg |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Start Date | 1 October 2026 |
| End Date | 31 October 2027 |
| Stipend | Monthly basic stipend |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree or 3-year National Diploma in Journalism or related field |
| Reference | Not specified |
| Application Method | Refer to the official vacancy/application platform |
About the Jacaranda FM News Internship Programme
The Jacaranda FM News Internship Programme is designed to provide aspiring journalists with practical experience in a professional radio newsroom.
Interns will spend time at both Jacaranda FM and VOW88.1, rotating between the two stations every six weeks. This structure allows participants to gain exposure to different newsroom environments and develop practical broadcasting skills.
The internship will run from 1 October 2026 to 31 October 2027 and provides a monthly basic stipend.
Interns should be available to travel between the two locations and should not be committed to other fields of study during the internship.
What You Will Learn and Experience
At Jacaranda FM, interns will have the opportunity to develop practical skills in areas including:
- Assisting with different activities within the news department
- Learning the practical operations of a newsroom
- Assisting journalists with compiling news stories
- Reporting from the field
- Working on the news desk
- Supporting the general day-to-day operations of a newsroom
At VOW88.1, interns will gain experience in:
- Compiling and reading daily news bulletins
- Reporting from the field
- Packaging stories for current affairs programmes
- Participating in daily news and current affairs programming
- Updating social media with news content
- Completing short courses through the Wits Radio Academy
Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree or 3-year National Diploma in Journalism or a related field
- A valid driver’s licence or be in the process of obtaining one
- Good command of the English language
- Being bilingual in Afrikaans and English is preferred
- Ability to write quality scripts for radio
- Ability to voice radio scripts effectively
- Ability to check facts, accuracy and the quality of news stories
- Ability to operate studio and field recording and production equipment
Applicants should also be able to travel between Jacaranda FM in Midrand and Wits in Johannesburg as required by the rotation schedule.
Explore Other Opportunities:
Who Can Apply?
The internship is aimed at aspiring journalists and broadcasting professionals who have completed, or are completing the relevant academic requirements specified by the employer.
The minimum qualification is a Bachelor’s Degree or 3-year National Diploma in Journalism or a related field.
Applicants should carefully assess all the requirements before applying, particularly the requirements relating to driving, radio production, writing, news reporting and availability for the full internship period.
Stipend / Salary
The Jacaranda FM News Internship Programme offers a monthly basic stipend.
The exact stipend amount has not been specified in the information provided, so applicants should not rely on an estimated figure. Check the official internship advertisement for any further remuneration details.
Location
The internship involves two locations:
- Jacaranda FM – Midrand
- VOW88.1 / Wits – Johannesburg
Interns will rotate between the two stations every six weeks and will therefore need to be able to travel between the locations.
Internship Duration
The programme is scheduled to run for approximately 12 months, from:
1 October 2026 to 31 October 2027
During this period, interns will rotate between Jacaranda FM and VOW88.1 every six weeks.
How to Apply
To apply for the Jacaranda FM News Internship Programme 2026:
- Visit the official Jacaranda FM recruitment/application platform.
- Find the News Internship Programme 2026 vacancy.
- Read the complete internship advertisement carefully.
- Confirm that you meet the qualification and other requirements.
- Prepare your updated CV and relevant supporting documents.
- Complete the application form accurately.
- Submit your application through the official platform before the closing date.
Applicants should use the official application channel rather than submitting personal information to unofficial third parties.
Documents You May Need
Applicants may be required to provide documents such as:
- Updated CV
- Copy of identity document
- Degree or National Diploma certificate
- Academic record
- Driver’s licence, where applicable
- Other supporting documents requested during the application process
Always follow the document requirements specified in the official advertisement.
Closing Date
The closing date has not been provided in the information supplied.
Applicants should check the official Jacaranda FM vacancy or recruitment platform for the confirmed closing date and submit their applications before the deadline.
Important Information for Applicants
This internship requires more than academic knowledge. Applicants should be prepared to work in a newsroom environment, assist journalists, report from the field, compile and voice radio content, and operate relevant recording and production equipment.
The ability to travel between Midrand and Johannesburg is also important because interns will rotate between Jacaranda FM and VOW88.1.
Applicants should also be aware that the programme does not state that successful interns will automatically receive permanent employment after completion.
Be cautious of scams. Do not pay anyone to apply for an internship or to secure a position.Applications should be submitted through the employer’s official recruitment or application platform.
Why This Opportunity Is Worth Considering
The Jacaranda FM News Internship Programme could be valuable for aspiring journalists who want to build practical experience in radio broadcasting and newsroom operations.
The programme provides exposure to both a commercial radio newsroom and a campus/community broadcasting environment. Interns can develop skills in reporting, news writing, bulletin preparation, current affairs, social media content and radio production.
The opportunity may also help participants build a portfolio of practical work and develop skills that can strengthen their future applications within the broadcasting and journalism industries.
However, applicants should understand that completing an internship does not automatically guarantee permanent employment unless this is explicitly stated by the employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Jacaranda FM News Internship Programme 2026 open for applications?
The programme is scheduled to commence on 1 October 2026. Applicants should check the official Jacaranda FM recruitment platform for the current application status and closing date.
Who can apply?
The opportunity is aimed at applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree or 3-year National Diploma in Journalism or a related field, subject to the other requirements specified by Jacaranda FM.
How much is the stipend?
The internship offers a monthly basic stipend, but the exact amount has not been specified in the information provided.
Where is the internship located?
Interns will rotate between Jacaranda FM in Midrand and VOW88.1 at Wits in Johannesburg.
What qualification is required?
Applicants need a Bachelor’s Degree or 3-year National Diploma in Journalism or a related field.
Is a driver’s licence required?
Applicants must have a valid driver’s licence or be in the process of obtaining one.
When does the internship start?
The internship is scheduled to start on 1 October 2026 and run until 31 October 2027.
How long is the internship?
The programme lasts approximately 12 months, with interns rotating between the two stations every six weeks.
What skills can interns develop?
Interns can gain experience in news reporting, newsroom operations, script writing and voicing, bulletin preparation, field reporting, current affairs, social media news content and studio and field production equipment.
Final Thoughts
The Jacaranda FM News Internship Programme 2026 offers aspiring journalists an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in radio news and broadcasting while working across two different radio environments.
With exposure to newsroom operations, field reporting, current affairs, radio production and news content creation, the programme could provide valuable practical experience for graduates pursuing careers in journalism and broadcasting.
Before applying, carefully check the official vacancy for the closing date, application instructions, stipend details and any additional requirements. Make sure that your CV and supporting documents are accurate and complete.
Always verify the opportunity through Jacaranda FM or its official recruitment platform before submitting personal information.
Simphiwe Dube is the Founder and Managing Editor of sa-learnership.co.za, an independent South African platform dedicated to publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships and skills development programmes.
He specialises in researching and verifying updates from official government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges and accredited institutions to ensure readers receive clear, reliable and up-to-date guidance.
Simphiwe is committed to simplifying complex education and career information so that South African students, graduates and job seekers can make informed decisions with confidence.