NFVF National Archives digitisation project 2026 applications are now open, offering unemployed youth across South Africa a chance to work on preserving the country’s historical records.
The programme is led by the National Film and Video Foundation in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. It forms part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme, a national initiative aimed at creating jobs while building critical skills.
This project focuses on digitising archives at the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa in Pretoria, combining employment with heritage preservation.
Programme Highlights
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | PESP Phase 6 Digitisation Project |
| Implementing Partners | NFVF and DSAC |
| Location | National Archives, Pretoria |
| Target Group | Unemployed youth under 35 |
| Opportunities | 100+ placements across 20+ roles |
| Qualification Range | Grade 10 to Degree |
| Closing Date | 08 April 2026 |
| Application Email | vacancies@nfvf.co.za |
| Reference | RECR/PESP 6/03/26 |
Why This Programme Matters
South Africa is investing in both job creation and digital transformation.
This programme gives you exposure to:
- Government archives and record systems
- Digital preservation and digitisation workflows
- Public sector administration
- Heritage and media preservation
These skills are valuable in:
- Government departments
- Museums and archives
- Media and broadcasting
- IT and data management roles
About the Digitisation Project
This is a large-scale national project focused on converting physical records into digital formats.
All placements are based at the National Archives in Pretoria, where you will work in a structured environment handling real historical data and records.
The programme combines entry-level jobs with specialised roles, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants.
Available Opportunities
Archivist Roles
Minimum requirement:
- Degree or diploma in archival studies or related field
Positions include:
- Archivist: Arrangement and Description
- Archivist: Outreach and Publications
- Archivist: Oral History
These roles focus on organising and interpreting historical records
Assistant Archivist Roles
Minimum requirement:
- Grade 12 or relevant diploma
Positions include:
- Assistant Archivist: Reading Room
- Assistant Archivist: Cartographic Material
- Assistant Archivist: Strong Room Registers
- Sensitive Records Assistant Archivist
These roles support document storage, access, and record management
Audio-Visual Preservation Roles
Minimum requirement:
- Diploma or degree in film, engineering, or related field
Positions include:
- Film and Video Preservation Assistants
- Sound Preservation Assistants
- Audio-Visual Legal Deposit Assistants
These roles support media archiving and digital preservation
Administration and Records Roles
Minimum requirement:
- Diploma or degree in administration or related field
Positions include:
- Administration Officer
- Records Management Officer
- Sensitive Records Admin Officer
These roles build experience in government administration
IT and Systems Roles
Minimum requirement:
- Diploma or degree in IT
Positions include:
- Systems Administrator
- IT Support Officer
These roles support digital infrastructure and systems
Entry-Level Opportunities
Some roles are open to candidates with:
- Grade 10 or Grade 12
Examples include:
- Scanner Operator
- Archive Assistant Housekeeping
- Conservation Assistant
This makes the programme accessible even without a tertiary qualification
Specialised Roles
Driver-Based Role
Position:
Principal Auxiliary Officer
Requirements:
- Grade 12
- Valid Code 10 driver’s licence
- PDP
Technical Support Role
Position:
Maintenance Officer
Requirement:
Qualification in the built environment
Minimum Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be unemployed
- Be 35 years old or younger
- Meet the requirements for your chosen role
- Submit complete application documents
- Applicants who previously participated in PESP are discouraged from applying
Required Documents
Prepare the following:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified qualifications
- Certified driver’s licence if required
Screening Process
Successful candidates will undergo:
- Citizenship verification
- Criminal background checks
- Qualification verification
- If you do not receive feedback within 30 days after closing date, consider your application unsuccessful
How to Apply
Submit your application via email:
Email: vacancies@nfvf.co.za
Reference: RECR/PESP 6/03/26
Make sure you:
- Include all required documents
- Use the correct reference number
- Submit before the closing date
Important Notes
- Applications close on 08 April 2026
- Late applications will not be considered
- Ensure all documents are complete before submission