#YouthMonth: Celebrating Local Youth Empowerment (Buyani Cezula)
Story: Buyani Cezula | Photo: Supplied
Walter Sisulu Local Municipality (WSLM) emphasizes the significance of Youth Month by highlighting the contributions and experiences of the local youth employed by the municipality.
Buyani Cezula, Intern, HR department, shares his experience:
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
A: I am Buyani Cezula, born and raised in Steynsburg. I grew up in my great grandmother's house with my cousins and grandmother. I started my studies at Mpumelelo Primary School, and then attended Ntlalo Senior Secondary School in Steynsburg.
I went to Johannesburg to pursue tertiary education at the Johannesburg Institute of Engineering and Technology under challenging circumstances. Despite the difficulties, I managed to complete my NQF Level 6 in Human Resource Management. In 2018, I secured a contract job at Ntlalo Senior Secondary School as a Learner Support Agent (LSA) until 2021.
In 2021, I worked as a supervisor for the Covid-19 Youth Brigade Program under Public Works. During that time, I also registered my company. In 2022, I received a contract with SANRAL under Tau Pele, which lasted for 19 months. In January 2024, I applied for an internship at Walter Sisulu Municipality and started in March.
Q: How did you first learn about the employment opportunities offered by the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality?
A: I saw an advert on Facebook and inquired about it. Afterward, I received the email address to forward my documents, and I did so.
Q: How has working for the municipality contributed to your personal and professional growth?
A: At first, I was a bit scared because it was a new field for me. However, over time, I became familiar with the staff and learned more about the work. Now, I can fill in as a cashier and handle other administrative tasks. This field has been instrumental in helping me grow my skills, manage personnel, and communicate with people.
Q: What skills have you developed or improved upon since you started working with the municipality?
A: I have developed skills in being a cashier, administrative assistant, receptionist, and communication and marketing. I have also learned to speak in front of large audiences and gained experience in fieldwork.
Q: What does Youth Month and Youth Day (June 16) mean to you personally?
A: Youth Day to me is just like any other day because, where I am, there isn't much excitement for today's youth. However, I do not forget the significance of June 16.
Q: How do you feel your work has impacted the community within the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality?
A: In my town, there is a high unemployment rate among the youth, and many graduates believe they will never find internships or jobs here. I hope my experience will make them reconsider and see that opportunities do exist.
Q: What advice would you give to other young people in the community who are seeking employment or development opportunities, especially during Youth Month?
A: They should use social media and the internet wisely because there are many job opportunities available online. Additionally, they should pursue further studies in more than one field to make their job search easier.
