The law and regulation of internships in South Africa

There is lack of equitable access to employment opportunities for black graduates when transitioning from education to employment in South Africa. This is dependent on various challenges including poverty, inequality and unemployment. Institutional development, status and Grade Point Average also create barriers to graduates’ success. Internships have been introduced in response to these factors and offer graduates an opportunity to acquire relevant skills in the workplace. This study uses a qualitative research approach to understand ways in which black graduates experience the transition from education to employment through internships. The findings show that efforts have been made by the government in partnership with businesses and organised labour to reduce the high unemployment rate, inequality and poverty, but these remain ameliorative responses. To address the cultural, economic and social injustices experienced by the marginalised, there is a need to improve access to good quality internships.