Unisa’s internship programme opens opportunities

Mentors & Mentees

Newly appointed Unisa interns attended an orientation programme at the Miriam Makeba Hall on  
28 March 2023.

Appointment of the 54 participating graduates forms part of Unisa’s mission to mitigate the unemployment rate and shape the future in the service of humanity by empowering its graduates.

It is estimated that unemployment will hit the 35.6% mark in 2023. As Unisa celebrates its 150^th anniversary, the institution aims to contribute to reducing the high level of unemployment.

Kerena Mokwena, who previously participated as a Unisa intern, shared her internship journey and gave advice to the new interns. “A positive attitude towards the programme will open more opportunities for you,” she said. Mokwena reminded the interns of these words by George Bernard Shaw: “Two things define you: your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.”

Kerena Mokwena (Former Intern)

Dr Joyce Nkuna-Maleka talked about  money matters and Unisa’s Employee Assistance Programme service offerings. The programme is designed to assist with personal, health, marital, family and financial concerns as well as issues around alcohol and drug abuse, and stress that may affect employees’ job performance.

Interns from some of the regions joined through Microsoft Teams and they were able to interact with the presenters.

Commented one attendee: “Competing with the best is certainly challenging and there can only be one winner. We are hoping that by the end of the internship programme we will all feel like winners.”

* By Nomusa Ngema, Seyabonga Thipe, Remembrance Manganyi and Kgothatso Mojela, Interns, Department of Institutional Advancement