Owing to Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) largest-ever recruitment effort, which was carried out across its port system to address the high rate of youth unemployment, around 288 South African graduates who are unemployed have started a two-year internship program.

The young graduates, who are from a range of port cities and neighboring rural villages, started their internship expedition on July 1st, 2022, and have been assigned to TNPA’s headquarters in Ngqura, its eight commercial ports, Dredging Services, as well as Lighthouses and Navigational Services.

“While this is not permanent work, these interns are part of the unemployed South African young, and we are doing our part to solve this crucial crisis faced by our country,” said Nontobeko Buthelezi, General Manager for People Management at TNPA.

There is 63,9 percent of unemployed youngsters are between the ages of 15 and 24 years old, while 42,1 percent are between the ages of 25 and 34 years, according to the most recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2022.

Following a difficult and time-consuming recruiting selection process that began in March 2022, the new hires join the company. There will be an additional 112 hired as part of the ongoing recruitment process, bringing the total to 400 interns.

“Our internships are foundational in preparing young graduates for the workplace and providing opportunities after graduation. This year’s interns will be given an opportunity to experience work at TNPA and shadow experienced professionals on strategic projects and maritime operations,” said Buthelezi.

These interns will be placed during the two-year program in a variety of business units throughout the port system, including finance, engineering, commercial, maritime operations, ICT, communications, safety, and other departments. The program exemplifies TNPA’s dedication to tackling the socioeconomic problems that many South Africans face.

Source: Media release