By Rolivhuwa Munya
The Gauteng Enterprise Propeller is committed to supporting the youth of Gauteng through its Youth Placement Program. This program aims to provide unemployed youth with on-the-job skills development and training opportunities, helping them gain more work experience.
One of the beneficiary of the program is Nhlamulo Mathonsi who joined Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) as an Administration Intern since 1st of July 2024 and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Youth Development.
When she commenced her internship, her skills were limited to copying, printing and typing. She was eager to gain more experience to enhance her skills for future employment opportunities.
In her Administrative intern role, Nhlamulo is responsible for filing timesheets from other interns and captures data for record-keeping purposes. She responds to intern queries, assists with pay slips, contracts and leave requests. Additionally, she books boardrooms for interviews, inductions and meetings.
She initially struggled with utilizing Microsoft Excel, but with assistance from her colleagues, she has become an expert. Nhlamulo lauds her mentor, Ms. Nomalanga Tshatsha, for always giving her the necessary support in the workplace.
To improve the internship program, she suggests that the company consider offering internships for a longer period to allow interns to gain more experience and for the company to absorb some interns into permanent positions, which will benefit both company and interns.
Nhlamulo feels valued and supported by her mentor and colleagues who treat her as an equal.