The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) officially welcomed 116 interns
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) officially welcomed 116 interns during an induction ceremony in Pietermaritzburg this week.
The internship programme is designed to provide young professionals with valuable workplace exposure and create more job opportunities for youth in the province.
According to the latest statistics from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), youth unemployment remains a significant challenge, despite a slight decrease.
"The youth (15–34 years) continue to be vulnerable in the labour market. The results for the fourth quarter of 2024 show a decrease of 133,000 in the total number of unemployed youth, bringing the figure to 4.7 million. At the same time, the number of employed youth increased by 37,000 to 5.8 million.
"Consequently, the youth unemployment rate dropped from 45.5% in the third quarter of 2024 to 44.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024," Stats SA reported.
The department highlighted that the internship programme underscores its commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, and building a capable public service.
“The programme will offer interns a 24-month placement within the Department, with a monthly stipend. It aims to provide meaningful workplace experience aligned with their qualifications, supported by trained mentors, and exposure to real-world environments within the public sector,” the department said.
MECs, Musa Zondi emphasised the importance of the opportunity presented to the interns.
“You are not here to make copies or serve coffee. You are here to observe, ask questions, engage, contribute, and, most importantly, learn,” Zondi said.
He further encouraged departmental officials to actively mentor the interns, instilling both skills and values that promote a responsive, ethical, and service-oriented public administration.
“This is a deliberate investment in the future of our province and our country,” Zondi concluded.
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