By Nangamso Mabindla
31 May 2007

IN an effort to fight unemployment among the youth, the Eastern Cape department of roads and transport has embarked on a drive to recruit 56 unemployed graduates in the province.

Its spokesperson, Ncedo Kumbaca, said the initiative followed a needs analysis by the department’s human resources development unit, undertaken in preparation for a workplace skills plan.

"The main objective was to gather critical information on activities such as performance management and development systems, training and development, bursaries, internships and learnerships," he said.

In response to this analysis, the department had allocated R1,5-million for a 12-month programme in which interns would earn a monthly salary, according to their qualifications. "Interns with a national diploma will get R2 226 per month, while degree holders will get R3 378 per month."

The interns would work in various directorates and districts in the department, including finance, supply chain management, human resources management, human resources development, government motor transport, the MEC’s office, traffic safety and other units.

"Each directorate will nominate mentors for the interns [who] will assist them and submit monthly reports and manage their performance," Kumbaca said.

The initiative formed part of a broader government programme that aimed to deal with the challenge of unemployment facing young South Africans, especially those with degrees and national diplomas.

"This programme is informed by the Human Resource Development Strategy for the public service, which includes an internship framework; and a scarce skills strategy that was approved by the cabinet in 2002," he said.

It was also in line with the Provincial Growth and Development Plan, which aimed to promote sustainable development through skills development.