Schools Programme Off to a Good Start
Article by Sane Mbhense and pictures by Thandekile Mthalane
The Department of Public Works is embarking on addressing scarce skills through the Schools Programme
in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. Since the official launch of the programme at a session held in the
department’s Auditorium in 2019, there has been an exceptional achievement registered thus far. The
occasion was showered by a joyful gathering with the learners, parents, educators and Public Works’ in
celebration of such as wonderful occasion.
The objectives of the Schools Programme are to promote careers within the Built Environment and
Property Management professions, identify potential candidates at a secondary school level and encourage
them to register Mathematics and Physical Science as main subjects up to Grade 12. The Directorate Human
Resource Utilization & Capacity Development has since the launch of the programme adopted 12 learners
from disadvantaged backgrounds who will be pursuing enrolment into the Built Environment Bursary
Programme.
Midlands Region proved its commitment to the programme by conducting roadshows throughout the
region with a view to interact with the parents, principals and recipients of the programme. The roadshows
started on 12 May 2021at Macingwane Secondary School in Keate’s Drift area which is situated within
Msinga Municipality. The programme was directed by Ms. Winnie Hadebe from Midlands Region, in her
introductory remarks she indicated that the purpose of the visit was to check the progress and encourage
the recipient, Nozipho Mwandla to continue working hard academically.
From left: Ms Norma Ndumo handing over a pair of school shoes and dictionary to Ntokozo Mazibuko
(Right) Mr Sabelo Khuzwayo, the department’s HR Practitioner as he delivered his presentation.
Sabelo Khuzwayo from the Directorate Human Resource Utilization & Capacity Development, Head Office
delivered a detailed policy presentation on KZN Provincial Administration for Bursaries. He indicated that
“we had challenges emanating from the Covid-19 pandemic but we are here today to reassure you that we
will finish what we have started.” He explained the criteria of awarding the bursary and profoundly advised
the learners to perform well in the course of their studies. “The department has fulfilled its promise by
adopting you to the programme, it is now up to you to achieve good results.”
He further indicated that the bursary will cover accommodation, tuition fees, text books, meals and
vacation work. An intern from the department’s Human Resource directorate, Mr. Sbu Makhathini shared
his testimony and experience of a higher education lifestyle with the recipients, “Freedom is there at higher
institutions but it is important to know what you want in life, be aware of bad influences. This is a lifetime
opportunity so please do not disappoint your parents, teachers and the community.”
On the second day, which was 13th of May 2021, the event programme proceeded to Siyanda Secondary
School in Nquthu area. This was a special day where the entourage met with Ntokozo Mazibuko. On 14
May 2021, the team concluded the roadshow at Makhedama High School in Kranskop, where they met
with Khanyisile Makhanya.
In the spirit of humanity and comradeship, the Midlands Region Management contributed a reasonable
funding towards the purchasing of school uniform and dictionaries for the recipients. Everey person in
attendance, in particular, the educators, parents and learners were overwhelmed, overjoyed and humbled
by such good gesture from the management.
The programme’s next phase is the placement of recipients into a Job Shadowing Programme where after
they will be placed at respective regional offices for exposure into different career paths for one week. The
programme will indeed make a positive impact since the component Immovable Asset Management has
very limited technical and professional capacity within the Built Environment, Infrastructure and
Construction industry.