Competition Commission SA Cadet Graduate Training Programme 2026

The Competition Commission South Africa CompCom has officially opened applications for its Cadet Graduate Training Programme 2026 a structured two year graduate development programme based in Pretoria Sunnyside. This highly competitive initiative offers unemployed South African graduates the opportunity to gain practical work experience develop professional skills and contribute to South Africa’s economy by working on matters related to competition law economics policy and governance.

For graduates seeking a programme that combines training mentorship and exposure to real world cases this cadetship is one of the most valuable entry level opportunities in the public service sector.

What is the Competition Commission Cadet Graduate Training Programme

The Cadet Graduate Training Programme is designed to provide a bridge between university study and the professional world. Over 24 months graduates rotate within their chosen streams Legal Economics Finance and Accounting Strategy Public Policy Governance and Human Capital while learning the fundamentals of competition policy and law.

The Commission is central to enforcing the Competition Act which regulates mergers prevents cartels combats abuse of market dominance and ensures that the South African economy remains fair dynamic and inclusive. As a cadet you will not only gain career defining skills but also contribute to Vision 2030 building a competitive and deconcentrated economy that benefits all South Africans.

Competition Commission Graduate Programme Salary Contract and Benefits

Stipend Total Cost to Company: R271,979.43 per annum
Duration: 24 months two year fixed term contract
Location: Pretoria Gauteng Sunnyside
Benefits: Structured mentorship workplace training professional development and potential for career growth opportunities after completion

This stipend ensures graduates can focus on learning and contributing without financial strain.

AVAILABLE INTERNSHIPS:

Cadet Training Programme: Human Capital Management
Cadet Training Programme: Strategy, Public Policy and Governance
Cadet Training Programme: Finance and Accounting I (x2)
Cadet Training Programme: Economics II (x2)
Cadet Training Programme: Economics I (x4)
Cadet Training Programme: Legal II (x3)
Cadet Training Programme: Legal I (x8)

Graduate Training Streams and Available Posts

The Commission is offering positions across several streams. Each stream is tied to specific qualifications and responsibilities.

Legal Graduate Programme Competition Commission Legal I x8 Legal II x3

Qualifications required: LLB or equivalent legal qualification
Key work areas: legal research drafting of legal documents litigation support merger reviews enforcement proceedings and application of competition law

Economics Graduate Programme Competition Commission Economics I x4 Economics II x2

Qualifications required: Honours in Economics Econometrics Applied Economics or Industrial Organisation
Key work areas: market definition data analysis merger impact assessments cartel investigations and econometric modelling

Finance and Accounting Graduate Programme Finance I x2

Qualifications required: BCom Accounting BAcc or Finance CTA or Honours advantageous
Key work areas: internal finance management auditing support compliance with public sector financial standards and cost control

Strategy Public Policy and Governance Graduate Programme

Qualifications required: Degrees in Public Policy Political Science Economics or Development Studies Honours preferred
Key work areas: policy research strategy projects market inquiries and stakeholder engagement

Human Capital Management Graduate Programme

Qualifications required: Degree in Human Resources Human Capital Organisational Development or related field Honours preferred
Key work areas: recruitment training and development performance management organisational learning and development initiatives

Minimum Requirements for Competition Commission Graduate Training Programme

Must be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID
Must be an unemployed graduate not currently working or studying full time
Must hold a relevant degree or diploma depending on the stream applied for
Must not have prior related work experience in the chosen field
Strong academic performance is essential 70 percent average advantageous
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Computer literacy and ability to conduct research independently
Analytical problem solving and teamwork skills

Skills and Competencies Developed During the Programme

Graduates will emerge from the programme with the ability to:

Interpret and apply competition law and policy to real world cases
Conduct economic and legal analysis in complex investigations
Apply financial principles within public sector and competition contexts
Build policy frameworks that impact national economic governance
Develop workplace skills such as project management data analysis and stakeholder communication

These are transferable skills that improve employability across government regulatory authorities law firms consulting agencies and private companies.

Application Documents Required

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

Comprehensive CV highlighting academic qualifications and achievements
Certified copy of South African ID
Certified copies of degree or diploma certificates
Full academic transcripts for all qualifications
Cover letter specifying the stream applied for and explaining motivation

Note: Incomplete or uncertified documents will lead to disqualification.

How to Apply for the Competition Commission Cadet Graduate Programme

Step 1: Visit the official Competition Commission SA careers portal Direct Hire system
Step 2: Create an applicant profile
Step 3: Select the stream you want to apply for for example Legal I or Economics I
Step 4: Upload all required documents in the specified format
Step 5: Submit your application before the closing date

Closing date for applications is 10 October 2025 at 17:00

APPLY FOR THE COMPETITION COMMISSION SA CADET GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAMME HERE

Important: Only online applications through the official portal will be accepted. No emailed or hand delivered applications are considered.

Selection Process

The recruitment process follows several stages:

Screening of applications for eligibility
Shortlisting of candidates who meet the requirements
Psychometric assessments to test analytical logical and behavioural skills
Interviews with panel members from the Commission
Security vetting to confirm candidate suitability
SAQA verification required for international qualifications

Note: Applicants who do not hear back within 60 days after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.

Why You Should Apply to the Competition Commission Graduate Programme

Paid internship opportunity with a competitive stipend
Exposure to real cases involving mergers cartels and market inquiries
Mentorship from experienced lawyers economists and policymakers
Skill building in high demand areas such as competition law economic analysis and governance
Career opportunities in regulatory authorities legal firms consulting firms academia and the private sector
Contribution to South Africa’s economy by working to dismantle unfair competition and promote inclusive markets

This programme is one of the best ways for graduates to start their professional careers in a meaningful impactful way.

Common Mistakes Applicants Make

Applying to a stream that does not match their qualification
Submitting incomplete or uncertified documentation
Assuming one application covers all streams instead of applying separately
Waiting until the last minute and missing the 17:00 closing deadline

FAQ’s

Is this a paid graduate programme
Yes The stipend is R271,979.43 per annum on a cost to company basis.

Where is the programme based
All cadets will be based at the Pretoria Sunnyside offices of the Competition Commission.

Can international qualifications be used
Yes but a SAQA evaluation certificate must be submitted with your application.

Will I be offered a permanent job after the programme
No permanent offer is guaranteed but successful cadets may apply for other opportunities within the Commission at the end of the two year contract.

Do I need prior work experience
No The programme is specifically designed for graduates without prior related work experience.

Fruad Warning

The Competition Commission only accepts applications via its official Direct Hire careers portal. Do not pay anyone or share personal information outside official channels. Third party job boards may advertise the opportunity but always confirm details on the official CompCom site.

Competition Commission SA Cadet Graduate Training Programme 2026 Applications Close 10 October 2025