Job orientation not only about the money

Chairman Thamsanqa Maqhubela

Vincent Nkaota

On 30 May, the VUT Cooperative office hosted a job orientation event for the South African Council for Graduates Cooperatives (SACGC) to convey the good news to WIL students that they will receive payment at the end of June.

However, the event was not only about SETA stipends but also about learning life lessons from SACGC leaders Simphiwe Vulindlu, Director of Projects, Ms Buyisiwe Mokeki the Placement and Project Manager and Chairman Thamsanqa Maqhubela.

Students were inspired by the renowned founder and chairman of SACGC who won a platinum award for young entrepreneurs in 2011 and is also adviser to the President with regards to youth development. Mr Maqhubela said to the students: “Be prepared, even when you are not prepared.’’

He then called on students to answer questions which they were not expecting… he stressed that in real life, such unexpected situations and opportunities can arise and you need to be prepared.

Students have described Mr Maqhubela as a very warm person who welcomes and appreciates the youth. However, they also say he is very firm and dislikes excuses. He is known to be an innovative person who appreciates progress.

The students are hoping to gain wisdom from him again soon.

The SACGC is an organisation that was established in 2013 by Mr Maqhubela in order to assist students and postgraduates find job placements through cooperatives.

Students get insight information from the delegates

Students and graduates receive a stipend salary for a period of 6-12 months paid by a SETA, but are assessed by the SACGC on how they are doing on their respective careers.