#YouthMonth: Celebrating Local Youth Empowerment (Akhona Beteni)
Story: Akhona Beteni | 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.
Akhona Beteni, Intern, Traffic Department, shares her experience:
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
A: I am a productive and reliable professional, well-presented, and a skilled communicator. I hold an N6 in Public Management from Ikhala TVET College. I have a logical mind and am a goal-oriented individual who aims to take up space and achieve a professional level.
Q: How did you first learn about the employment opportunities offered by Walter Sisulu Local Municipality?
A: While job hunting and looking for employment everywhere, I first learned about these opportunities on social media (Facebook) and from a friend who was once an intern at Walter Sisulu Local Municipality.
Q: How has working for the municipality contributed to your personal and professional growth?
A: Working at Walter Sisulu Local Municipality has taught me many skills, including leadership and teamwork. It has also taught me how to handle confidential information.
Q: What skills have you developed or improved upon since you started working with the municipality?
A: I have learned how to assist in ensuring the rendering of recruitment and selection services, assisting in the shortlisting of candidates, and compiling monthly performance reports for the section and consolidating them.
Q: What does Youth Month and Youth Day (June 16) mean to you personally?
A: In 1976, the youth fought for our freedom during the apartheid era and the betterment of our education. Everyone must be educated so that everyone can have a stable job. June 16 is a celebration of youth, power, and unity. It shows how we, as young people, can impact the world if we put our minds to it.
Q: How do you feel your work has impacted the community within the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality?
A: My job has respectfully impacted the community by developing and implementing policies and procedures that promote a safe and inclusive work environment, prevent discrimination and harassment, and ensure compliance with labour laws and regulations. When job posts are out, I make sure that people from our community apply and submit their applications on time.
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: My advice for youth searching for jobs is to submit their CVs to the WSLM database, create profiles on LinkedIn, and use social media wisely, especially Facebook. Follow the company called "Ubuntu Institute," which seeks interns all over, almost every day.
