Launch Your Career in Corporate Governance with the National Empowerment Fund The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) is inviting applications for its Secretariat Trainee Programme in Sandton. This internship is designed for graduates who are passionate about corporate governance, company secretarial practice and board administration. The programme offers practical workplace experience within a professional corporate environment, allowing graduates to develop valuable governance, compliance and administrative skills while working alongside experienced professionals. If you aspire to build a career as a Company Secretary, Governance Officer or Corporate Governance Specialist, this programme provides an excellent foundation. About the Programme As a Secretariat Trainee, you will gain hands-on exposure to corporate governance processes and support the administration of Board and Committee activities. Throughout the programme, you'll learn how governance frameworks, legislation and compliance processes contribute to effective organisational leadership and accountability. This internship combines practical experience with mentorship, helping graduates transition confidently into the corporate governance profession. Key Responsibilities Successful candidates will assist with a variety of governance and company secretarial duties, including: Coordinating Board and Committee meetings from planning through to completion. Preparing meeting agendas, board packs and supporting documentation. Recording accurate meeting minutes and maintaining official records. Managing statutory registers, governance records and company secretarial documentation. Tracking resolutions, action items and matters arising from Board and Committee meetings. Assisting with statutory filings and regulatory submissions. Supporting governance reporting and compliance activities. Researching legislation, governance developments and industry best practices. Responding to governance, legal and regulatory queries. Promoting compliance with corporate governance principles, company policies and regulatory requirements. Ensuring confidential information is handled professionally and securely. Minimum Requirements To qualify for this internship, applicants must: Be an unemployed South African graduate. Not have previously held a full-time permanent position. Not have participated in an internship or learnership programme. Hold a Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma in one of the following or a related field: BCom Law LLB Public Management and Administration CGISA Other relevant governance or legal qualifications Advantageous Knowledge Candidates with knowledge or exposure to the following will have an added advantage: Corporate governance principles. Company secretarial practices. Board administration. The Companies Act. King IV Corporate Governance Framework. Statutory record keeping. Board and Committee governance structures. Skills and Competencies The ideal candidate should possess: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organisational and planning abilities. Good administrative skills. High attention to detail. Research and analytical skills. Problem-solving ability. Professionalism and integrity. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively within a team. Ability to manage confidential information responsibly. Good time management skills. Computer literacy, including: Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Outlook What You'll Gain During the programme, you'll develop practical experience in: Corporate governance. Board and committee administration. Company secretarial practices. Regulatory compliance. Governance reporting. Legislative research. Professional communication. Corporate administration. Stakeholder engagement. Meeting coordination and minute-taking. These skills will prepare you for careers in governance, legal administration, compliance and company secretarial services. Why Join the National Empowerment Fund? The National Empowerment Fund is one of South Africa's leading development finance institutions committed to promoting economic transformation and empowerment. As a Secretariat Trainee, you'll gain valuable exposure to governance processes within a respected public institution while building practical skills that are highly sought after across both the public and private sectors. How to Apply If you are a recent graduate looking to begin a career in corporate governance, company secretarial services or board administration, submit your application before the closing date. Ensure your CV clearly reflects your qualifications, relevant academic achievements and any governance, legal or administrative experience. Closing Date: 7 August 2026 Please Note: Only unemployed graduates who have not previously held full-time employment or participated in an internship or learnership programme will be considered for this opportunity.