Are you up for a journalistic challenge with an accessible, fun news website and agency?
Applications for the explain.co.za 2025/6 internship cohort are now open, offering strong mentorship from industry leaders.
Deadline: 31 July 2025
As the name hints, at explain.co.za, we’re passionate about helping people understand the news. We create solutions-focused journalism that inspires hope and action with easy-to-understand context and analysis.
explain.co.za launched in 2020 to acclaim, winning accolades early on.
Our previous three internship programmes have been a success, with many of our interns (some pictured above) going on to top opportunities following their time with explain. As one put it:
“My time at explain.co.za has been a transformative journey. From day one, the company has gone above and beyond to help me grow. What truly stands out to me is the incredible support and mentorship I’ve received from some of the most talented and inspiring individuals I’ve ever met. The lessons I’ve learnt here are ones I will carry with me for a lifetime.”
Lona Sokanyile, 2024/5 intern
Several previous interns have been hired permanently by the company following their internships.
Intern roles:
- Writing across platforms: for our news website and agency clients. Our senior staff, including award-winning editor Verashni Pillay, will help you improve your writing through close editing and mentoring.
- Assisting with distributing content across social media platforms, websites and social media.
- Assisting with social media and audience growth strategy and execution: Training will be provided.
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 year, but shorter versions are also available.
For those who excel in this internship cohort, there is a strong possibility of securing permanent employment. You will attend training sessions, which we run frequently internally and in collaboration with partner organisations.
You will receive a generous monthly stipend and work in a close-knit team, with daily mentoring and coaching. You will develop your skills across various projects, stretching your creative muscles while receiving 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 we encourage you to take initiative and build your experience while offering regular advice and feedback.
To apply, go here and fill out the form.
Verashni is passionate about empowering citizens to hold those in power to account. She was previously editor-in-chief of the Mail & Guardian and HuffPost South Africa, and won the CNN African Journalism Award, among others.
- Verashni Pillayhttps://explain.co.za/author/verashni/
- Verashni Pillayhttps://explain.co.za/author/verashni/
- Verashni Pillayhttps://explain.co.za/author/verashni/
- Verashni Pillayhttps://explain.co.za/author/verashni/