KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna Municipality has rejected the allegations that certain groups were excluded from consideration during the recent recruitment process for its Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme, describing the claims as unfounded and based on a misrepresentation of the facts and qualifying criteria.
Acting Municipal Manager Dr Richard Martin said the recruitment process was conducted openly and transparently, the opportunities were advertised publicly and all qualifying applicants were given an equal opportunity to apply.
The programme aims to assist unemployed youth who have completed their N6 or National Diploma coursework, but cannot graduate because they still require workplace exposure.
Martin emphasised that the WIL programme is funded by the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (Chieta), not Knysna Municipality.
“It is not a municipal employment programme, but a Chieta-funded initiative aimed at assisting qualifying TVET graduates to complete the practical experience component required for their studies. Preference was given to applicants from previously disadvantaged groups, in line with programme requirements, ” he said.
He maintained that the selection process was fair, transparent and conducted in accordance with the approved criteria, adding that claims of exclusion were not supported by the facts.
Opportunities for 20 unemployed youth
The programme provides 20 unemployed young people with the opportunity to complete the practical workplace experience required for their qualifications over 18 months. Martin acknowledged the high levels of unemployment in the area and said the municipality understood the disappointment of unsuccessful applicants.
Who qualified to apply?
Applications were invited specifically from TVET college students who had completed the academic component of the following qualifications, but still required workplace-based learning or in-service training:
• National Diploma/N6 Public Management
• National Diploma/N6 Management Assistant
• National Diploma/N6 Business Management
• National Diploma/N6 Human Resources
Applicants had to be South African citizens and permanent residents within the greater Knysna municipal area.
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