Workplace Readiness Seminar advances skills path for Public Management students

Final-year Public Affairs students at the Tshwane University of Technology received practical career guidance and workplace preparation during a skills and work-readiness seminar hosted by the Department of Public Management, with strong collaboration from public service stakeholders and employment experts.

The Department of Public Management hosted the seminar in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour and the South African Association of Public Administration and Management, focusing on practical skills development and career transition support to strengthen employability and prepare them for professional expectations in the public service sector.

Dr Mogotsi Maleka, Head of Department in Public Management, opened the seminar and highlighted the importance of skills development in addressing unemployment challenges in South Africa.

According to her, South Africa does not have a job crisis but a skills crisis and she encouraged students to continuously develop their competencies to remain competitive in a changing labour market.

Benrickgo Daniels, Career Counsellor from the Department of Employment and Labour, guided students through the Employment Services of South Africa system and provided practical advice on job applications and interview preparation.

Daniels identified common CV mistakes and demonstrated interview techniques to help students improve workplace presentation and professional conduct.

Dr JM Mohapi, representing the Public Service Commission, encouraged students to enhance their employability by pursuing additional qualifications and engaging in continuous learning.

He said students should augment their qualifications through ongoing skills development to improve career prospects.

Mndeni Ndwandwe, Lecturer in Public Management and programme director, facilitated interactive sessions that encouraged active student participation through discussions, questions and engagement activities supported by incentives.

Nyiko Baloyi, SRC Chairperson, closed the seminar by encouraging students to focus on holistic development beyond academic achievement.

Baloyi said students should avoid becoming academically strong but socially disconnected and urged them to develop both professional and social competencies.

The seminar strengthened students’ understanding of workplace expectations, highlighted available employment support systems and reinforced the importance of continuous skills development in the public sector.