#YouthMonth: Celebrating Local Youth Empowerment (Siphamandla Notyeke)
Story: Siphamandla Notyeke | 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.
Siphamandla Notyeke, Intern, Internal Auditing, shares her experience:
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
A: I’m a young, passionate professional who believes in progress and the upholding and implementation of principles to achieve that.
Q: How did you first learn about the employment opportunities offered by the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality?
A: I learned about it through a colleague.
Q: How has working for the municipality contributed to your personal and professional growth?
A: Working for the municipality has contributed to my growth and work ethic immensely. I have been exposed to mature, skilled professionals who care about the growth of others. I also have the privilege of rotating to different sections of the municipality, gaining new knowledge and skills that enhance and apply what I’ve learned in school.
Q: What skills have you developed or improved upon since you started working with the municipality?
A: I’ve improved my analytical and critical thinking as well as my interpersonal skills.
Q: What does Youth Month and Youth Day (June 16) mean to you personally?
A: It means freedom and the opportunity to carry on and achieve what those who came before me, who fought for my freedom, couldn’t achieve due to the unfavourable circumstances they faced at the time.
Q: How do you feel your work has impacted the community within the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality?
A: I have contributed towards improving and sustaining sound financial management within the municipality. This is crucial for the community as it ensures that the municipality can provide for the basic needs of the community, which it cannot achieve without effective financial management of its resources.
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: Apply for jobs on a continuous basis and add your CV to the municipality’s database to increase your chances of employment. Gain as many skills as you can on a personal level while you wait.