Takealot – Public Policy Internship

For someone who wants to build practical experience in research, stakeholder coordination, and policy-related project support, this opportunity could be a strong starting point. The Public Policy Internship at Takealot Group in Cape Town is aimed at someone who wants hands-on exposure to data analysis, socioeconomic and public policy research, project reporting, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-moving e-commerce environment.

At a glance

What this opportunity is

This is a public policy-focused internship within Takealot Group. The role combines research, stakeholder coordination, project support, data presentation, and reporting tasks linked to campaigns, projects, and broader business-relevant public policy and socioeconomic issues.

Note: This is not just a general admin internship. A position like this is better suited to someone who is comfortable with research, written communication, meeting coordination, data interpretation, and understanding how policy or socioeconomic issues connect to business operations.

Who this opportunity may suit

• Someone with an N6 or degree-level background in communications, events, project management, development economics, or social sciences
• An applicant interested in public policy, socioeconomic issues, and business-relevant research
• A person who is organised, detail-focused, and comfortable managing multiple tasks
• Someone who wants practical exposure in a large e-commerce group with cross-functional project work

What you’ll do / learn

You’ll gain practical exposure to research support, project coordination, stakeholder communication, progress reporting, and policy-related analysis in a large e-commerce environment.

• Support data collection, analysis, and presentation related to projects, campaigns, or research initiatives
• Assist with stakeholder coordination, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and taking minutes
• Support monitoring and reporting on project progress, risks, and outcomes
• Conduct basic research on socioeconomic trends, public policy issues, or industry developments relevant to the business
• Assist with tracking budgets, invoices, and project-related expenses where required
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Marketing, Brand, HR, Operations, and Corporate Affairs
• Support ad hoc tasks and special projects as part of the internship programme rotations

Eligibility requirements

Check the requirements below before applying.

Essential requirements

• N6 in Communications and Events and Project Management, or BA Development Economics or Social Sciences
• Computer literacy
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Time management and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• MS Office Suite skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Data interpretation and presentation ability
• Understanding of socioeconomic and public policy issues

Attributes required

• Collaborative
• Creative energy
• Hands on
• Have an opinion and voice it
• Strong communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills

Important application notes

• The application form states that if you are not based in Cape Town and need to relocate, the relocation cost will be your own responsibility
• The application form asks whether you are based in Cape Town
• The application form asks whether you have previously been enrolled in a SETA internship programme
• The application form asks whether you completed your N6 TVET qualification and requests that you attach a copy of it

What this role really means

A public policy internship like this usually means helping the business understand trends, risks, and broader issues that affect decision-making. In practice, that can include research, meeting coordination, report preparation, progress tracking, and helping different teams stay aligned around project work. If you are applying, it helps to show that you are organised, curious, and comfortable working with both written detail and cross-team communication.

Application checklist

Make sure your application is complete before submitting.

• Updated CV
• Qualification certificate or latest academic transcript
• Clear contact details (phone + email)
• N6 TVET qualification proof if applicable
• Any supporting research, policy, communications, project, or admin-related experience shown clearly on your CV
• Any additional documents requested on the application portal

Need help with CVs, certified copies, and application tips? Use our Resources & Guides Hub.

About the sponsor

Takealot Group describes itself as Africa’s largest customer-centric online shopping destination. On its official site, the group says it is driven by people, powered by technology, and operates through businesses including Takealot, Mr D, and TFS. Visit the Takealot Group website and the Takealot Careers page for more information.

Quick tips for this application

• Make your qualification and strongest research or writing-related subjects easy to identify near the top of your CV
• If you have worked on research, projects, events, communications, or report-writing tasks, mention that clearly
• Show that you are comfortable with written communication, coordination, and detail-focused work
• Highlight Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and presentation-related skills
• Apply early, because no closing date is shown on the live listing

Mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic CV that does not show research or policy interest
• Leaving out your qualification details
• Not showing writing, coordination, or data interpretation ability clearly
• Ignoring the application-form questions about Cape Town location, relocation, SETA history, or N6 documents
• Uploading incomplete application documents
• Waiting too long when the live listing does not show a closing date

Scam warning (important)

Do not pay any fee to apply for this opportunity. Use only the official Greenhouse application page linked below, and be cautious of anyone asking for money, banking details, or “processing fees” outside the formal application process.

How this opportunity was verified

We checked the live official Takealot vacancy for Public Policy Internship and confirmed the title, Cape Town location, programme split across takealot.com, TFS, and Mr D, contract status, qualification requirement, duties, and the application-form notes shown on the official page.

For more information about how our posts are verified, please visit our How we verify listings page.

How to apply

1. Open the official vacancy page using the button below.
2. Read the requirements carefully and confirm that your qualification and profile fit the role.
3. Check the application form itself for any extra document requirements.
4. Prepare your CV and supporting documents.
5. Complete your application through the official Greenhouse platform.
6. Because no closing date is shown on the live listing, apply as early as possible.