Jacaranda FM & Voice of Wits Internship For 2026

Latif Saifi
8 Min Read

Jacaranda FM & Voice of Wits Internship For 2026. If you are a passionate and driven journalism graduate looking to break into South Africa’s media landscape, then the Jacaranda FM & Voice of Wits Internship for 2026 is a golden opportunity you shouldn’t miss. This 12-month internship, developed through a strategic partnership between Jacaranda FM and VowFM (Voice of Wits), offers aspiring journalists a rare chance to gain hands-on experience in both commercial and community radio newsrooms.

Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a seasoned news anchor or a fearless field reporter, this News Internship will equip you with the tools, mentorship, and exposure to turn that dream into a reality.

Programme Overview

This fixed-term 12-month internship runs from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 and is hosted across Midrand (Jacaranda FM) and Johannesburg (Voice of Wits Wits University). Interns will rotate every six weeks between the two stations, providing a well-rounded learning experience across mainstream media and community broadcasting.

Programme DetailsInformation
Listing Reference2025NewsIntern
Internship Duration12 Months (July 2025 – June 2026)
LocationMidrand & Johannesburg
Contract TypeFixed-Term
Monthly RemunerationBasic Stipend (Market-Related)
Industries CoveredMedia, News, Broadcast Journalism
Application Closing Date30 June 2026
EligibilityJournalism Graduates with Valid Driver’s License
EE PositionNo

What Makes This Internship Unique

The Jacaranda FM & Voice of Wits Internship is designed to develop media skills, foster editorial integrity, and expose interns to the real-world workings of a newsroom. You will work under experienced professionals and rotate between two very different but equally dynamic environments:

  • Jacaranda FM, one of Gauteng’s top commercial radio stations.
  • VowFM, a vibrant campus-based community radio station at Wits University.

This dual approach ensures that you gain insights into both high-pressure commercial broadcasting and grassroots journalism, empowering you to adapt to diverse newsroom settings.

Intern Responsibilities: What You’ll Learn and Do

At Jacaranda FM, interns will

  • Assist in daily news production across departments.
  • Support reporters and senior journalists in creating compelling news stories.
  • Participate in newsroom operations and editorial processes.
  • Engage in field reporting, gathering audio-visual material.
  • Practice scriptwriting and live voicing for radio segments.

At Voice of Wits (VowFM), tasks will include

  • Writing and broadcasting daily news bulletins.
  • Researching and reporting on local/national issues.
  • Creating packaged reports for talk shows and current affairs segments.
  • Attending editorial meetings and shaping news agendas.
  • Managing digital and social media news updates.
  • Completing Wits Radio Academy short courses to enhance broadcasting theory and technical skills.

Who Should Apply: Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate for the News Internship is someone who is:

  • Passionate about journalism and storytelling.
  • Curious about the world and committed to fact-based reporting.
  • Technologically savvy and willing to learn multimedia journalism.
  • Flexible enough to travel between Midrand and Johannesburg.
  • Willing to work under pressure in a deadline-driven environment.

Minimum Requirements

RequirementDetails
EducationNational Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism or related field
Driver’s LicenseValid or in the process of obtaining
Language SkillsExcellent written and spoken English; Afrikaans is an advantage
Media KnowledgeNews writing, radio script voicing, editorial judgment
Technical SkillsAudio editing, multi-track mixing, studio equipment handling
Digital ProficiencySocial media content creation and digital platform familiarity

Key Learning Outcomes of the Internship

This isn’t just an internship—it’s a stepping stone to a lasting journalism career. During your 12-month journey, you will:

  • Understand the end-to-end process of how stories are researched, edited, and broadcast.
  • Strengthen your editorial judgment and media law awareness.
  • Master audio recording tools, editing software, and studio operations.
  • Learn to report live from the field, voicing stories under time pressure.
  • Build confidence in public speaking, scripting, and professional communication.
  • Gain real-time feedback and mentorship from journalists who shape the South African media narrative.

Digital & Multimedia Focus

Modern journalism goes beyond radio waves. Interns will also gain exposure to:

  • Digital storytelling and social media news updates.
  • Multimedia editing and podcast-style current affairs content.
  • Using analytics and audience feedback to improve content engagement.

This aligns with the broadcasting industry’s shift toward multiplatform storytelling and equips interns with in-demand skills.

Why the Jacaranda FM & Voice of Wits Internship Matters

This programme is more than a training opportunity it’s a response to the growing demand for youth employment, digital-first journalism, and diversified newsrooms. Just as Eskom vacancies fuel youth participation in energy and engineering, this internship empowers young media graduates to:

  • Shape the future of South African journalism.
  • Contribute to informed, ethical public discourse.
  • Bring fresh perspectives and community voices to mainstream platforms.

By bridging academic theory and real-world reporting, this internship closes the gap between graduation and full-time employment in one of South Africa’s most dynamic industries.

How to Apply for the News Internship

To apply for the Jacaranda FM & Voice of Wits Internship 2026, you’ll need to submit the following documents before the deadline of 30 June 2026:

  • A detailed CV outlining relevant experience and academic background
  • A certified copy of your ID
  • Academic transcripts or qualification certificates
  • A short motivation letter (why you’re the right candidate)

Note: Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications must be submitted via the official Jacaranda FM or VowFM recruitment channels.

FAQs About Jacaranda FM & VowFM News Internship

Who can apply for the Jacaranda FM & Voice of Wits Internship?

Anyone with a completed 3-year National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or a related field, along with a valid driver’s license (or in the process of getting one), can apply.

Is the internship paid?

Yes, the internship offers a monthly stipend that is market-related. It helps cover transportation and living costs while you train in Midrand and Johannesburg.

What makes this internship different from others?

Unlike most media internships, this programme offers dual exposure by rotating interns between Jacaranda FM (a commercial station) and VowFM (a community station), giving participants well-rounded, real-world experience.

Conclusion

The Jacaranda FM & VowFM News Internship 2026 is a rare chance to launch your journalism career in South Africa’s competitive media industry. With structured training, industry exposure, and strong mentorship, this internship programme prepares you for success in both mainstream and community radio.

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Dr. Imran Latif Saifi is a Postdoctoral Fellow from UNISA – The University of South Africa and currently serves as an Associate Lecturer at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. With a strong background in research and teaching, he is passionate about advancing education, fostering critical thinking, and bridging the gap between theory and practice.