Are you up for a new journalistic challenge with an exciting new start-up?

Applications for our 2023/24 internship cohort are now open. We’re looking for interns to join our team in a number of specialised areas, with strong mentorship from industry leaders. 

Deadline: 31 October 2023

As the name hints, at explain.co.za, we’re passionate about helping people understand the news. We create solutions-focused journalism which inspires hope and action.

explain.co.za launched in 2020 to acclaim, winning accolades early on. We put the publication on pause earlier this year and focused our energy on shoring up our business model via our agency division to ensure we can keep funding journalism that matters.

We also put the original product on pause while we recruited a strong team to take our newsrooms to the next level. Fastforward to 2023, and our business has strengthened. We are re-launching our newsroom and journalism with the right team in place and with a greater focus on reaching the neglected youth audiences in South Africa.

Our previous two internship programmes have been a huge success, with all of our interns (some pictured above) going on to top opportunities following their time with explain. As one put it: 

“One of the highlights of my internship was having the exposure and understanding of the importance of journalism and more. I appreciate the opportunities for professional and personal growth awarded by the company. It has been a privilege to have been part of such a supportive team.”

Lesego Chepape

Two of the 2022/23 cohort have been hired by the company following their internships.

We are looking for interns to place in the following areas:

  1. Video: Shooting and editing. 
  2. Audience engagement and growth: This includes social media. A background in journalism is preferred.
  3. Writing: A background in journalism is preferred.

Working from our offices in Johannesburg for the internship would be preferable, but we are open to remote working if needed. The internship runs for a full year, but shorter versions are also available.

There is a strong possibility of permanent employment for those who perform well in this internship cohort.  You will attend multiple trainings, which we run frequently internally as well as with partner organisations.

You will receive a monthly stipend and get to work in a close-knit team with daily mentoring and coaching. You will grow your skills across a variety of projects, stretching your creative muscle while getting direction and feedback. You will also get the opportunity to create a portfolio for yourself. We have a flexible work environment, with select work days in the office, and encourage you to take initiative and build your experience, while offering regular advice and feedback. 

To apply, go here and fill in the form.