WSLM and Ubuntu Institute hand over laptops to interns
Story: Katleho Sesoane | Photo: Supplied
In an ongoing effort to address skills shortages and offer valuable workplace opportunities to recent graduates, the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality (WSLM) previously partnered with the Ubuntu Institute to establish an internship program funded by the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET). As part of this collaboration, representatives from the Ubuntu Institute, supported by FASSET funding, recently visited to facilitate the handover of laptops to interns currently assigned to different departments within the municipality.
The visit from representatives of the Ubuntu Institute, namely Sandra Koyana and Bongani Mandah, underscored the commitment to providing interns with the necessary resources for their professional development. The FASSET internship program not only aims to address skills gaps but also aims to familiarise participants with workplace dynamics, thereby enhancing their employment prospects.
Through a memorandum of understanding between the municipality and the Ubuntu Institute, fields such as Human Resource Management, Public Administration/Management, Information Technology, Internal Auditing, and Business Management are covered within the internship program. Recruitment for the program is facilitated through the municipality's database of unemployed graduates, with CV submissions accepted at any of its satellite offices.
The official handover ceremony, presided over by Mayor Cllr Vania Davids, Municipal Manager, Khaya Gashi, and other key officials, emphasized the significance of the initiative. Mayor Davids highlighted the opportunity for interns to showcase their abilities, affirming the municipality's commitment to prioritizing them for future vacancies. This sentiment was echoed by Rene Godson, director of Corporate Services, who shared the success story of a former intern who transitioned into a permanent role within the municipality through the FASSET internship program.
WSLM expressed gratitude to FASSET and the Ubuntu Institute for their role in supporting Premier Oscar Mabuyane's vision of placing youth at the forefront of development initiatives and economic empowerment. The partnership between WSLM and the Ubuntu Institute, facilitated by FASSET, closely aligns with this objective, serving as a key driver in its implementation.
Furthermore, the municipality encourages graduates within its jurisdiction to utilize the database for similar opportunities, emphasizing inclusivity by welcoming applications from unskilled and semi-skilled individuals, as well as residents who did not complete their matric.
The collaboration between WSLM and the Ubuntu Institute exemplifies a proactive approach to addressing youth unemployment and skills shortages, reflecting a commitment to fostering a more robust and inclusive workforce. As interns receive the tools and support necessary for their professional growth, the broader community stands to benefit from a more skilled and empowered populace, contributing to sustainable socio-economic development.