📝 How to Write a Motivational Letter for an Internship in South Africa (With Example)

Landing an internship in South Africa is competitive — especially at top companies like Transnet, Eskom, PwC, or Google SA. That’s why writing a strong motivational letter can give you the edge over other applicants.

In this blog, we’ll show you how to write a motivational letter for an internship, step-by-step — plus a free example you can use as a guide.

📌 What is a Motivational Letter?

A motivational letter is a one-page document you submit with your CV when applying for an internship or job. It explains:

Who you are
Why you’re applying
What makes you a good fit
Your career goals

It’s your chance to show personality, motivation, and interest in the opportunity — beyond what’s on your CV.

✅ Structure of a Good Motivational Letter

Here’s the standard structure:

1. Header

Include:

Your full name and contact details
Date
Internship company details (HR or recruitment department)

2. Greeting

Example:
Dear Hiring Manager or
Dear [Company Name] Internship Team

3. Opening Paragraph

Introduce yourself:

Mention your name, field of study, and where you study
State which internship you’re applying for
Briefly explain why you’re interested

4. Body Paragraph (Motivation & Strengths)

Share your academic background, achievements, or relevant experience
Mention any leadership roles, projects, or volunteer work
Highlight skills that relate to the internship (e.g. teamwork, computer skills, communication)

5. Closing Paragraph

Reaffirm your interest in the role
Say you would appreciate the opportunity
Mention that your CV is attached
Thank them

6. Sign-off

Use:

Kind regards or Sincerely
Your full name

💡 Tips for a Winning Motivational Letter

Keep it short and clear (1 page max)
Avoid slang or SMS language
Personalize it for each internship application
Focus on how you can add value to the company
Proofread for spelling and grammar errors

📄 Motivational Letter Example (South African Intern)

[Your Name]
[Your Email] | [Your Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]

HR Department
Eskom Internship Programme
Johannesburg, South Africa

Dear Hiring Manager,

My name is Thabo Mokoena, a third-year Electrical Engineering student at the University of Johannesburg. I am writing to apply for the Eskom Internship Programme 2025, as advertised on your careers page.

I am passionate about energy innovation and believe Eskom is the ideal environment for me to learn and contribute meaningfully. During my studies, I worked on a solar power project that won second place in our faculty’s design challenge. I’ve also completed a vacation work programme with a local municipality where I assisted with electrical fault diagnostics.

My strengths include attention to detail, problem-solving, and working well in a team. I am confident that my passion for engineering and eagerness to learn make me a suitable candidate for this internship.

I would appreciate the opportunity to contribute to Eskom and further develop my skills in the energy sector. My CV is attached for your review.

Thank you for considering my application.

Kind regards,
Thabo Mokoena

🚀 Final Thoughts

A strong motivational letter can open doors to exciting internships in South Africa. Whether you’re applying at a corporate firm, government department, or media company — show your motivation, skills, and willingness to grow.

Need help writing your own letter? Use the example above as a template and customize it to match your application.

📢 Keep checking GoIntern.co.za for more internship tips, CV guides, and the latest internship opportunities across South Africa!

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