Kickstart Your Career in Retail

If you’re passionate about fashion, retail, and business, The Foschini Group (TFG) offers exciting internship and graduate opportunities that could be the perfect start to your career. As one of South Africa’s leading retail groups, TFG owns popular brands like Foschini, Markham, Exact, Sportscene, and Totalsports — giving interns exposure to a wide range of retail operations.

About The Foschini Group

Founded in 1924, The Foschini Group has grown into a multi-brand retail giant with more than 4,000 outlets in South Africa and other countries. TFG is known for its commitment to skills development, making it a great place for young talent to learn, grow, and succeed in the retail industry.

What the TFG Internship Programme Offers

The TFG Internship Programme is designed to give young graduates hands-on experience in different areas of the retail business, including:

Buying & Merchandising – Learn how products are sourced, selected, and stocked.
Marketing & eCommerce – Work on campaigns, social media, and online store strategies.
Fashion Design – Collaborate with design teams to bring trends to life.
Finance & Accounting – Gain experience in budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting.
IT & Systems Development – Work on digital tools, system upgrades, and data analytics.
Human Resources – Support recruitment, training, and employee relations.

Benefits of Joining TFG as an Intern

Paid internship with practical workplace training.
Mentorship from experienced retail professionals.
Exposure to top retail brands and real-world projects.
Networking opportunities across different TFG divisions.
Potential for full-time employment after completion.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the TFG internship programme, you typically need:

South African citizenship.
A relevant diploma or degree in fields like retail management, business, marketing, finance, IT, or fashion.
Good communication and problem-solving skills.
A passion for retail, fashion, and customer service.

How to Apply for a TFG Internship

Visit the TFG Careers Portal: https://www.tfgcareers.co.za
Search for “Internship” or “Graduate Programme” vacancies.
Register an account and upload your CV, academic records, and any required documents.
Complete the online application form and submit before the closing date.

Tips for a Successful Application

Tailor your CV to highlight retail-related experience or studies.
Include a motivational cover letter explaining why you want to work at TFG.
Show enthusiasm for the retail industry and customer service.

Final Thoughts

A TFG internship is more than just a job — it’s a launchpad for a rewarding career in one of South Africa’s biggest retail groups. Whether you dream of working in fashion, marketing, IT, or business management, TFG offers a variety of opportunities to grow your skills and gain valuable experience.

For the latest internship openings, visit the TFG Careers Portal and follow the company on LinkedIn for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Internships in South Africa 2026

Internships are one of the most effective ways for young people in South Africa to gain real-world work experience. Whether you are a recent graduate, a student still studying, or someone looking to change careers, internships can open the door to valuable opportunities. Below are some of the most common questions about internships in South Africa, along with detailed answers to help you succeed.

1. What is an internship?

An internship is a structured program offered by companies, government departments, or NGOs that allows students and graduates to gain work experience in their chosen field. Internships are usually temporary — lasting anywhere from three months to a year — and may be paid or unpaid.

Unlike casual work, an internship focuses on skills development, mentorship, and exposure to professional environments. Many internships lead to permanent jobs if the candidate performs well.

2. Why are internships important in South Africa?

Internships are especially important in South Africa because many employers require work experience even for entry-level jobs. Since graduates often finish university or college without practical experience, internships help bridge this gap.

Key benefits of internships include:

Gaining hands-on skills relevant to your career.
Building a professional network.
Improving your CV and employability.
Increasing chances of securing permanent employment.
Exploring different career paths before committing long-term.

3. Are internships paid in South Africa?

Internships in South Africa can be both paid and unpaid.

Paid internships usually offer a monthly stipend to cover transport, food, and basic living costs. The amount varies by company and industry.
Unpaid internships provide work experience without financial support. These are more common in NGOs, creative industries, or small businesses.

Even if an internship is unpaid, the value of experience, references, and networking can outweigh the lack of pay — especially for students looking to enter competitive industries.

4. Who can apply for an internship?

Most internships are designed for:

Recent graduates who have completed a diploma, degree, or certificate.
Final-year students seeking workplace experience as part of their qualification.
Unemployed youth registered with programs like YES (Youth Employment Service).

Some internships are open to all young South Africans aged 18–35, while others may require specific qualifications or skills.

5. How long do internships last?

The duration of internships varies depending on the employer and industry:

Short internships: 3–6 months, often project-based.
Graduate internships: 12 months, common in government and corporate programs.
Work-integrated learning (WIL): 6–12 months, usually required by universities or TVET colleges for graduation.

6. How do I find internships in South Africa?

There are several ways to find internship opportunities:

Career websites such as GoIntern, Indeed, or Career24.
Company websites — many big organizations like Sasol, Nedbank, or Eskom advertise graduate internships.
Government portals like the DPSA (Department of Public Service and Administration).
University career centers or student support services.
Networking — asking lecturers, alumni, or professionals in your field.

7. What documents are needed to apply for an internship?

When applying for an internship, you will normally need:

A South African ID (certified copy).
An updated CV.
Matric certificate and/or academic transcripts.
Motivational letter explaining why you want the internship.
Proof of residence (for government or municipal internships).
Bank details (for paid internships).

8. Do internships guarantee permanent jobs?

Not always. Internships are primarily designed to give experience, not employment. However, many companies use internships as a recruitment tool. If you perform well, you may be offered a permanent position.

Your chances of being hired after an internship increase if you:

Show commitment and professionalism.
Take initiative and learn quickly.
Build strong relationships with colleagues.
Demonstrate that you add value to the organization.

9. What is the difference between an internship, learnership, and apprenticeship?

Internship: For students or graduates, focused on workplace exposure. Duration is 3–12 months.
Learnership: A structured program combining theory and practical training. Leads to an NQF qualification. Funded through SETAs.
Apprenticeship: Technical training in trades (like plumbing, welding, or electrical work) that leads to artisan qualifications.

10. When should I apply for internships in 2026?

Most internships for the 2026 intake will open between September 2025 and February 2026. Graduate programs at large companies usually advertise opportunities towards the end of the year for placements starting in January. Government internships often open at the beginning of the year.

To increase your chances:

Start searching in the second half of 2025.
Keep your CV updated.
Apply to multiple opportunities — don’t wait for just one.

Conclusion

Internships are a stepping stone to building a successful career in South Africa. They provide students and graduates with valuable skills, workplace experience, and networking opportunities that can lead to permanent employment. Whether paid or unpaid, an internship in 2026 could be the launchpad for your future success.

If you’re serious about your career, start preparing your application documents now and keep an eye on internship listings throughout 2025.