By Rolivhuwa Munyai
As a mentor to IT interns, Ndivhuho Mafhoho found the experience to be fulfilling. He enjoys sharing his knowledge, skills and experience with open-minded individuals who show great potential.
Ndivhuho has adopted a hands-on approach to mentoring, observing his intern’s daily responsibilities and allocating tasks for them to complete under supervision. Regular check-ins have allowed him to identify challenges and provide guidance accordingly. Despite the ad hoc nature of their field, the interns are outspoken and confident, which has resulted in productive working relationship.
Ndivhuho sets clear goals and expectations for his interns, aiming to expose them to various areas within the ICT department and align their development with their career paths. Throughout the mentorship, the interns gain valuable skills, including understanding of ITSM (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), soft skills: innovation, research, and attention to detail, technical skills: laptop repairs, operating system installation and computer configurations.
He described his mentorship experience as exciting and challenging and that witnessing his interns’ growth has been incredibly rewarding. He concluded that mentoring was a two-way street, allowing him to empower young individuals while acquiring valuable skills himself.
By Rolivhuwa Munyai
Mentors are guardians to interns who are placed under their unit as per their qualifications, and they play a big role as they prepare them to embark on their career paths. Mentorship is part of the Youth Placement Program, aimed at empowering young people with skills and experience to succeed in their chosen fields.
Mpho Mokgothu, a mentor to legal services interns, provides hands-on training in legal research, drafting legal documents and understanding of legal services procedures. She guides them through complex legal concepts, ensuring that they follow ethical guidelines, and empowers them to think critically. Her mentorship approach balances independent problem-solving with collaborative learning.
Mpho maintains an open-door policy, encouraging interns to ask questions and discuss challenges. She regularly checks in with her interns to discuss their progress and challenges. By setting clear goals and expectations, Mpho aims to equip her interns with skills to draft client memoranda, contracts and to contribute to case strategies, ultimately enhancing their confidence and practical knowledge.
As a mentor, Mpho provides personal and professional support, helping interns transition from academia to the practical world of work. She acknowledges the challenge of delivering feedback that is both critical and encouraging, particularly for those new to legal work. To address this, Mpho uses a strength-based feedback model, highlighting what her interns do well before offering actionable suggestions for improvement.
When asked about her experience as a legal services mentor, Mpho shared that while she encounters various challenges, the experience is rewarding. She has refined her ability to break down intricate legal arguments and communicate them effectively. Mpho has expressed her willingness to take on future mentorship roles, citing her desire for professional and personal growth.
By Rolivhuwa Munya
The Gauteng Enterprise Propeller is committed to supporting the youth of Gauteng through its Youth Placement Program. This program aims to provide unemployed youth with on-the-job skills development and training opportunities, helping them gain more work experience.
One of the beneficiary of the program is Nhlamulo Mathonsi who joined Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) as an Administration Intern since 1st of July 2024 and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Youth Development.
When she commenced her internship, her skills were limited to copying, printing and typing. She was eager to gain more experience to enhance her skills for future employment opportunities.
In her Administrative intern role, Nhlamulo is responsible for filing timesheets from other interns and captures data for record-keeping purposes. She responds to intern queries, assists with pay slips, contracts and leave requests. Additionally, she books boardrooms for interviews, inductions and meetings.
She initially struggled with utilizing Microsoft Excel, but with assistance from her colleagues, she has become an expert. Nhlamulo lauds her mentor, Ms. Nomalanga Tshatsha, for always giving her the necessary support in the workplace.
To improve the internship program, she suggests that the company consider offering internships for a longer period to allow interns to gain more experience and for the company to absorb some interns into permanent positions, which will benefit both company and interns.
Nhlamulo feels valued and supported by her mentor and colleagues who treat her as an equal.
By Rolivhuwa Munyai
The Gauteng Enterprise Propeller Youth Placement Program is dedicated to helping young people develop their skills and gain practical experience. One of our successful interns, Nyiko Shilaluki, joined our team in August 2024 as a legal intern.
Nyiko holds a National Diploma in Law, but had no prior work experience when he started his internship. Despite this, he was eager to learn and gain new skills. Through his determination and hard work, Nyiko gained experience in writing legal documents, managing litigation, developing communication skills and filing.
As a graduate, Nyiko was driven by his desire to develop practical skills. Throughout his internship, he excelled in his responsibilities, which included performing legal administrative duties, drafting legal documents and managing litigation.
Although Nyiko faced some challenges due to his lack of experience, which made him feel uncertain and unprepared, he received excellent support and guidance from his superiors. They provided clear direction, encouragement, and were always available to help.
Nyiko experience at GEP has not only helped him develop his skills but also given him a sense of belonging. He appreciates inclusivity he experiences at GEP, where his colleagues make an effort to involve him in discussions and decisions.
By Rolivhuwa Munyai
Gaining practical experience is crucial for success in the tech industry. For Sihle Kubheka, joining the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) team as an IT intern was a dream come true.
Sihle commenced the internship in November 2024, and holds a Diploma in Information Technology.
As an IT intern, he assists with troubleshooting a number of challenges that the users comes across, as well as other computer and network-related issues.
His superiors have greatly contributed to his development and overall growth. By providing support and guidance, they have made the experience more rewarding for him.
By Rolivhuwa Munyai
Meet Thato Khosa, a Paralegal Intern in the Legal Services Department at GEP, he began his internship on the 1st of August 2024, bringing with him a Diploma in Legal Assistance. Prior to joining GEP, Thato gained valuable experience as a legal assistant at the Pretoria Magistrate Court and as a policy administrator at Moto Vantage (Pty) Ltd. In these roles, he developed skills in legal research, case file management and administrative support.
Since joining GEP, Thato has expanded his knowledge of corporate legal processes, contract management and regulatory compliance. He has also refined his problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Thato’s motivation for applying for the internship was to gain hands-on experience in corporate and business law, enhance his legal knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to GEP’s mission of supporting entrepreneurs and businesses.
As a Paralegal Intern, Thato’s responsibilities include assisting with contract drafting and review, conducting legal research, preparing reports, managing case files and documentation, providing administrative support to the legal team, and ensuring compliance with legal regulations and company policies.
At the beginning of the internship, Thato struggled to adapt to the fast-paced legal environment, however, he overcame this by seeking mentorship, asking for clarity when needed and continuously improving time management skills.
Thato has received valuable support and guidance from his supervisor and colleagues and appreciates the organization’s commitment to professional development and its impact on the business community.
When asked about recommendations for improving the internship program, he suggested implementing structured mentorship sessions, providing regular feedback and career guidance, and offering exposure to cross-departmental projects to enhance the overall learning experience.
Reflecting on his experience with the GEP, Thato described it as rewarding and enriching. He appreciated the culture of collaboration, learning and professional growth, which has positively shaped his career aspirations. Thato felt welcomed and valued as a member of the team, and his contributions were acknowledged. He was given responsibilities that allowed him to develop and showcase his skills.
