The National Youth Service (NYS) Phase V programme has officially opened applications for 100,000 opportunities across South Africa. The initiative targets unemployed young people who want to gain practical experience, contribute to community development, strengthen workplace skills, and receive a monthly stipend during participation. Apply below:
Application Deadline:
Closing dates vary depending on location and implementing partners.
However, the final national application deadline is:
1 September 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early because some sites may close once placement targets are reached.
About the NYS Phase V Applications:
The National Youth Service Programme is part of South Africa’s broader youth employment and empowerment initiatives designed to support unemployed youth through structured community service opportunities.
The programme operates under the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention and works with several youth-focused partners including:
- SA Youth.
- National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
- Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
The initiative focuses on helping young people gain:
- Work readiness skills.
- Practical experience.
- Community service exposure.
- Personal development.
- Leadership experience.
- Career pathway support.
Participants will work on projects that contribute directly to local communities while building valuable experience for future employment opportunities.
Community Service Activities Included
Participants may work in different service areas depending on community needs and available placements.
Community service activities include:
- Sports and Recreation.
- Community Revitalisation Projects.
- Environmental Greening Initiatives.
- Learner Support Programmes.
- Early Childhood Development.
- Food Security and Nutrition Projects.
- Arts, Culture and Entertainment
- Social Support Services.
- Community Care and Solidarity Programmes.
- Surveys and Digital Mapping.
- Youth Voter
These activities are intended to support national development while helping young people gain practical workplace experience.
Important Things Applicants Should Know
Before applying, applicants should note the following:
- Opportunities may close earlier depending on location demand
- NYS opportunities appear based on the address registered on SA Youth
- Applicants should ensure their SA Youth CV is fully completed
- Incomplete profiles may reduce visibility for matching opportunities
- Applicants should regularly check their profiles for updates and notifications
- Some locations may receive higher application volumes than others
Applying early may improve the chances of finding available opportunities before local targets are reached.
Why the NYS Programme Matters
South Africa continues to face high levels of youth unemployment, especially among first-time job seekers and young people with limited work experience.
The National Youth Service programme helps participants build experience in structured environments while supporting local communities.
Benefits of participating include:
- Exposure to real work environments
- Improved communication and teamwork skills
- Practical service experience
- Community leadership exposure
- Better CV and employability profile
- Increased confidence and workplace readiness
Many youth development programmes now place strong emphasis on practical experience, community involvement, and transferable skills.
Type: Community-Based Service Opportunities
Who Can Apply for NYS Phase V Applications:
To qualify for NYS Phase V opportunities, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID.
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Must live within the municipality or community where the programme site is located.
- Must be able to travel to the implementing partner site.
- Preference will be given to unemployed youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
- Must be willing to contribute positively to community development.
- Must be able to complete the programme successfully.
- Must not have participated in previous phases of the programme.
- Young people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Which Countries are Eligible: South Africa
To Be Taken At: Areas Where NYS Opportunities Are Available
The programme is available nationwide across all nine provinces:
- Eastern Cape.
- Free State.
- Gauteng.
- KwaZulu-Natal.
- Limpopo.
- Mpumalanga.
- Northern Cape.
- North West.
- Western Cape.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for opportunities located near their residential communities or municipalities.
According to the programme guidelines, opportunities displayed on SA Youth are matched using the address information provided during registration.
Value of Award:
According to the official NYS Phase V announcement, successful participants will take part in community-based service activities across all nine provinces while gaining valuable exposure that may improve future employment opportunities.
Participants will receive:
- R24.18 per hour.
- Approximately R1,547 monthly based on 64 working hours per month.
The stipend is intended to support participants during programme activities and placements.
Number of Awards: 100,000 openings
Duration of Programme:
- Programme Duration: 6 Months
- Working Hours: 384 Total Hours
How to Apply for NYS Phase V Applications:
Step 1: Visit the Official SA Youth Portal
Open the official NYS application platform here:
SA Youth is free to access and does not require mobile data charges.
Step 2: Register on SA Youth
Applicants who do not already have accounts should register on:
According to SA Youth, the registration process takes approximately four minutes.
Step 3: Complete Your SA Youth Profile
Applicants should carefully complete all profile sections, including:
- Personal information
- Residential address
- Educational history
- Skills and interests
- Work experience
- Contact information
Applicants should also ensure their SA Youth CV is complete before applying.
Step 4: Search for NYS Opportunities
After registration, NYS opportunities near the applicant’s registered address may appear automatically.
Applicants may also search manually using the keyword:
“NYS”
inside the SA Youth search box.
Step 5: Apply Online
Follow the instructions displayed on the opportunity listing and submit your application online.
Applicants should review all information carefully before final submission.
NYS Selection Process
The selection process generally includes:
- SA Youth profile registration
- Matching of opportunities based on applicant location
- Application review
- Eligibility verification
- Selection and placement notification
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee placement because applications may exceed available spaces in some areas.
Need Help With Registration or Applications?
Applicants who need assistance may use the following support channels:
SA Youth Toll-Free Support Line
0800 72 72 72
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday
9:00am to 4:30pm
WhatsApp Support
Applicants may save the support number and begin the conversation with the word:
“Hi”
Support is available 24 hours daily.
NYDA Centres
Applicants may also visit nearby NYDA centres for help with:
- Registration
- Profile completion
- Opportunity searches
- Application support
NYS Phase V Applications Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is NYS Phase V?
NYS Phase V is a National Youth Service programme offering 100,000 community-based service opportunities for unemployed youth across South Africa.
Who qualifies for the NYS programme?
South African citizens aged between 18 and 35 years with valid IDs who live near programme sites may apply.
How long does the programme last?
The programme runs for six months or a total of 384 working hours.
Is there a stipend for participants?
Yes. Participants receive approximately R1,547 per month based on completed working hours.
Where do I apply for NYS opportunities?
Applications are submitted online through the SA Youth platform at https://sayouth.me/NYS.
Does SA Youth require mobile data?
No. SA Youth is free to access without mobile data charges.
Can previous NYS participants apply again?
No. Individuals who participated in earlier phases of the programme are not eligible.
Are young people living with disabilities encouraged to apply?
Yes. The programme encourages applications from youth living with disabilities.
Final Reminder
The National Youth Service Phase V programme provides unemployed youth across South Africa with an opportunity to gain practical experience, support local communities, improve workplace readiness, and receive monthly financial support during participation.
Eligible applicants should complete their SA Youth profiles early and apply before opportunities in their local communities close.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is NYS Phase V?
NYS Phase V offers 100000 community-based service opportunities for unemployed youth across South Africa. The programme focuses on skills development, work readiness, and community service.
Who qualifies for NYS Phase V?
South African citizens aged 18 to 35 years qualify. Applicants must be unemployed, hold a valid ID, and live near the placement area.
How long does the programme run?
The programme runs for 6 months or 384 working hours.
Do participants receive payment?
Participants receive about R1547 per month based on R24.18 per hour and 64 working hours monthly.
Where do applications happen?
Applications go through the SA Youth platform at https://sayouth.me/NYS after registration on https://sayouth.mobi.
Does SA Youth require payment or data costs?
SA Youth access remains free for all users.
Can previous participants apply again?
Previous participants from earlier NYS phases do not qualify again.
Do persons living with disabilities qualify?
The programme welcomes applications from persons living with disabilities.
Visit Programme Webpage for Details
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