A programme aimed at training and placing more historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs) in the ICT sector was officially launched at Gallagher Estate in Midrand on Friday.
The Youth Internship Programme (YIP) is a joint effort by the State IT Agency (SITA), the Umsobomvu Youth Fund (UYF) and the Public Sector State Education and Training Authority. It has been in operation for some years, but was publicly launched for the first time last week.
The keynote speaker at the launch, public service and administration minister Geraldine Fraser-Moloketi, said the YIP "represents the kind of direct investment into the future of this country that government...is passionately urging and supporting in all sectors".
As the students begin the internship stage, Fraser-Moloketi said it is essential that all partners in the project help the students to find lasting employment upon completion of the programme.
SITA CEO Mavuso Msimang said that since its inception in 1999, the programme has trained a total of 718 interns - 689 of whom are black - and has significantly increased the number of female interns entering the programme.
"The 2002-2003 programme trained 174 female and 181 male interns. This was an improvement from 2001, where 245 males and 58 females were trained."
Despite the promising figures, Msimang believes there is still a lot of work to be done, and said all sectors needed to get involved. "It is up to us within our respective industries to do what we can...to build a pool of skills for the corporate sector, government, the NGO sector and to open avenues for entrepreneurship to those who cannot find employment."
Addressing the students on the importance of the programme, UYF CEO Malose Kekana said the impetus was now with them to make use of what they had learned. "You have the power and the capability, so take whatever you get from this programme...and maximise it."
Looking to the future, Fraser-Moloketi concluded by outlining the importance of expanding on the positives taken from the YIP. "The challenge is for other stakeholders to take the cue from the [YIP] partnership...and embark on meaningful investments into the future of this country."
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