The DUT Midlands Department of Public Management, Law and Economics was given a discretionary grant for Work-Integrated learning (WIL) by Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA) with the aim to give financial assistance (stipend) to learners in order to cover their needs such as travelling costs, food and other expenditures.
They recently hosted an induction at Durban University of Technology (DUT) Riverside campus to discuss each other’s role in the project, expectations and deliverables of the funding with the successful students studying Public Administration, host employers, DUT representatives from the Academic Department and Cooperative Education as well as PSETA representative.
The induction was facilitated by the DUT Public Management, Law and Economics lecturer and WIL Coordinator Hlengiwe Mabizela. In her opening and welcome speech Mabizela mentioned that she believes the funding will play a pivotal role and have a great impact on the students.
“It is my responsibility to identify potential employers for WIL, place students at their identified workplaces, seek funding from the SETA, sponsors and other funding institutions who offer funding for WIL. It gives me a great pleasure for our students to receive this funding and I wish that they do their best during their WIL for the next six months. Such opportunities are hard to get and when given the chance, they should make good use of it,” she said.
DUT Public Management, Law and Economics Head of Department Acting (HOD): Dr Zwelithini Zwane stated that over the previous few years, the work relationship with PSETA has developed and they have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with them.
“The funding was obtained through submitting a PSETA grant application with the assistance of the DUT Co-operative Education office headed by Dr Themba Msukwini which assists with finding SETA financing, bursaries, and employment possibilities for students across the university. In 2021 we had 120 students that participated on the programme and did well. We hope that the intake of students for this year will represent the institution well in order for other students to also benefit from the funding and to also maintain the good relationship with PSETA” explained Dr Zwane.
External Engagement Manager for DUT Department of Co-operative Education: Dr Msukwini, presented on the core functions for co-operative education and the importance of professional behaviour in the workplace environment.
PSETA Project Specialist: Sibusiso Ndaba, presented on the vision, mission, values and also emphasised the roles and responsibilities of PSETA. He went on to say that it is important for the students to love and respect their work.
“There will be performance evaluations done by myself and some of my colleagues from PSETA, it is very crucial for students to always report to work, be disciplined, and ensure that they communicate with their supervisors if they need assistance in terms of their work,” said Ndaba.
The induction concluded with the signing of contracts by students with PSETA, their host employers, and DUT also signed the agreements since they are the provider of skills development.
Pictured: The Department of Public Management, Law and Economics staff at the induction.
Photographer: Vusi Dlamini
Zanele Mashaba
