…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition recently organized a graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of participants in its Itukise Programme.
This initiative aims to provide practical work experience to graduates by pairing them with host companies in their respective fields.
By doing so, the program seeks to equip graduates with a better understanding of the work environment and the expectations of their future employers.
Stipends and Duration of Support
Beneficiaries of the Itukise Programme receive stipends throughout their placements.
In-service trainees with S4/N6 qualifications receive a monthly payment of R3,000 for the 18-month duration of their placement.
Graduates with diplomas and degrees receive R5,000 over 12 months, while those with honors degrees and higher qualifications receive R7,000 over 36 months.
Mulalo Nemutudi’s Success Story
Mulalo Nemutudi, a 31-year-old agriculture graduate from the University of the Free State, was paired with Alkebulane Corporation, an agricultural company based in Bloemfontein.
This opportunity allowed her to apply the knowledge she gained during her studies.
Expressing her passion for agriculture, Nemutudi explained, “I chose to study agriculture because I have always been passionate about it from a very young age.
There are plenty of career opportunities available as the world is counting on the agricultural sector to produce more nutritious food for its growing population.”
Skills Development and Future Prospects
Through the Itukise Programme, Nemutudi acquired valuable work skills, including research, reporting, time management, organizational, and marketing skills.
The program also equipped her with the necessary abilities to interact effectively with farmers and suppliers.
Nemutudi expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I am grateful for this opportunity as it helped boost my skills and increased my chances of getting employed.
I am now equipped with basic skills that I can confidently implement in the professional environment.”
Advice and Career Pathways
Nemutudi encourages future participants in the program to approach it with a learning mindset and openness to change.
She believes that the skills gained through the program will enable her to explore various agricultural fields, such as becoming an agricultural advisor, farm-assistant manager, researcher, administrator, or agricultural salesperson.