Flagship internship programme invites South African graduates to take their first step into the industry.
Publicis Groupe Africa has opened applications for Le Cubs 2027, its flagship 12-month internship programme designed to give young South African graduates meaningful workplace experience and an opportunity to build future-ready careers in the marketing and communications industry.
Starting in March 2027, successful applicants will join teams across Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, gaining hands-on experience in disciplines including creativity, strategy, human resources, data, technology, AI, media and business support.
Le Cubs is designed to bridge the gap between tertiary education and the workplace, giving graduates the opportunity to move beyond theory, contribute to real work, learn from industry professionals and develop practical skills in a connected, collaborative environment.
For Koo Govender, CEO of Publicis Groupe Africa, investing in emerging talent is about ensuring the industry continues to evolve alongside the world around it.
“The future of our industry will be shaped by people who are entering it today with different perspectives, different skills and different expectations. Le Cubs gives us the opportunity to open doors to that talent, while giving young graduates meaningful experience they can build on. We want them to come in curious, challenge how we think and bring something new to the work.”
Le Cubs is designed to help bridge the gap between tertiary education and the workplace, giving successful candidates the opportunity to contribute to real work, learn from industry professionals and develop practical skills in a connected, collaborative environment.
That opportunity is also about creating an environment where young talent has the space to learn, contribute and grow. Neo Selwe, chief talent officer, says:
“Early careers are about discovering where your strengths can take you. Le Cubs gives graduates the space to learn by doing, explore different parts of the industry and build confidence through real experience. We’re looking for people who are curious, willing to learn and ready to bring their own perspective to the table.”
The programme builds on Publicis Groupe Africa’s ongoing investment in emerging talent. In 2025, the Groupe hosted 30 interns, with 17 subsequently absorbed into the business, demonstrating Le Cubs’ potential to create a meaningful pathway from graduate development into longer-term career opportunities.
The programme also welcomed a further 29 interns in March 2026 across creativity, data, technology, strategy, media and business support.
Successful Le Cubs candidates will spend 12 months gaining practical experience while developing capabilities across areas including digital, data, AI, creativity and strategic thinking. They will have access to mentorship from industry professionals, exposure to a global network and opportunities to contribute fresh thinking to real work.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be:
- South African citizens
- Unemployed graduates with a relevant degree or diploma
- Candidates who have not previously completed an internship programme
- Available to start in March 2027
Relevant areas of qualification include marketing and creative, data and tech, and strategy and business, with opportunities spanning a broader range of disciplines within Publicis Groupe Africa.
What applicants need
Candidates should submit:
- An updated CV of no more than two pages
- A short motivation explaining why they want to join Le Cubs and which stream interests them most
- A link to their portfolio for Creative applications
- A certified copy of their South African ID
- Certified copies of their qualification and academic transcript
Applications for Le Cubs 2027 close on 16 November 2026.
Apply here: https://bit.ly/4ioHG25
Bring your curiosity. Bring your perspective. Bring what’s next.
