Social Development Opportunities for Matriculants and Graduates | Western Cape Government

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Social Development Opportunities for Matriculants and Graduates

28 October 2013

Statement by Albert Fritz, Western Cape Minister of Social Development

I want to remind parents and matriculants that the applications for bursaries to pursue a degree in social work will close at the end of this month.

A lack of resources should never stand in the way of a child's dream.

To those matriculants who are uncertain of the direction in which they want to study, or are considering a break from studying, there is the opportunity to do a 12-month internship within the Western Cape Government, where we expose them to career opportunities in the public service.

While the learners are hard at work studying and writing their various exams, I want to appeal to the parents to assist with applications and enrolment procedures wherever they can.

Very often students pursue a post matric qualification only to discover that they are battling to find employment afterwards. In my department, we go out of our way to accommodate social work graduates in various positions, both within the public service and with our NGO or corporate partners.

In fact, last year, the Western Cape was the only province that made budgetary provision for social work graduates, where even the national department failed to do so.

Experiential learning opportunities from a minimum of three to a maximum of 12 months for undergraduate and graduate students in academic fields related to the core business of the department, i.e. public management, financial management, social auxiliary work, etc. are also available, and I want to encourage students and parents to explore these opportunities.

They are created for the continuous development and growth of our young people in their pursuit of excellence.

Learning should be a life-long process and I want to encourage further studying and training at all levels. From the lay courses in substance abuse treatment to the postgraduate diplomas offered at all our major universities in the province. Bursaries are available for deserving and committed students.

All enquiries into the various opportunities offered by the Department of Social Development can be directed to our call centre on 0800 220 250.

On Monday, 28 October 2013, the class of 2013 commences their final school exam. I want to wish them only the best for this milestone test that lies ahead.

While it symbolises the end of one era, it also puts them at the start of a brand new era in their quest for further development and growth.

Media Enquiries: 
Melany Kühn
Spokesperson for Minister Fritz
Tel: 021 483 5445 
Cell: 083 280 9199
E-mail: melany.kuhn@westerncape.gov.za