An interview was conducted with Mr. Latani Mapukata and Ms. Lorna Basset
How many students on Learnerships are enrolled annually at through Gauteng Department of Health?
Sixty five (65) students have commenced the three year programme in Diagnostic Radiography at three different universities, namely, University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria and University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus). Twenty (20) students commenced a twelve months Enrolled Nursing programme at Ann-Latsky and Garankuwa Nursing Colleges.
How many candidates go on an Internships programme in the Gauteng Department of Health each year?
To date 659 candidates have benefited in various Internship and Graduate Entry Programmes in the 2011-12 financial year, including both clinical and non-clinical internships. The programme’s main objective is to give South Africans an opportunity to gain practical work experience in order to become competitive in the labour market. Whilst in the Programme, interns and graduates are encouraged to apply for entry-level posts in their areas of specialization within the Public Service.
How many applications do you receive each year?
About 500 applications for Learnerships are received each year, mainly in the Health Sciences and related fields. Candidates who wish to apply for an internship programme are advised to register their Resume’ as work seekers on three databases that we use, namely, Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA), Department of Labour (DoL) and National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). The newspaper as a form of advertising media has become costly for the Department, hence we use the databases.
Can you briefly explain the selection process?
A list of candidates who meet a specific criteria for selection into a Learnership programme is requested from all three databases. The minimum criteria is a Matric certificate with specific subjects relating to the Learnership Programme. A selection panel, which includes the Skills Development & Training Committee members become part of the selection. The same applies for internship programmes.
When can prospective students apply for Learnerships?
Applications are open between January and February each year. Most Learnerships commence on 01 March every year. A few commence at anytime in the year, especially where the Department is in partnership with other Provincial Departments.
How many Learnerships and Internships has Gauteng produced?
Since 2008, the Department has produced just over 2500 Learnerships and over 4500 Internships. Some of the interns are now on permanent posts within the Department of Health.
How much money is spent by the Department on implementing the Internships and Learnerships?
It costs the Department R33,600.00 per intern per year. Learnerships are funded by HWSETA at R21,120.00 per learner per year on Diagnostic Radiography, R8500.00 per learner per year on Enrolled Nursing and R14400.00 per learner per year on Pharmacist Assistants. For HWSETA funded programmes, the Department still incurs running costs for the implementation of the programmes, such as compensation of employees and stationery.
How many learners are placed at various health institutions?
During their training the students are placed at Institutions of Higher Learning and at clinical facilities which are accredited by the various Professional Councils, such as HPCSA and the Pharmacy Council of South Africa. These accredited facilities are: Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Helen Joseph Hospital, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child, South Rand, Tembisa Hospital, Far East Rand, Pholosong, Tambo Memorial, Natalspruit, and Edenvale Hospitals. Approximately 500 learners per year are placed at these Health Facilities.
What is the goal of the Department for Internships and Learnerships?
To produce appropriately trained, competent and compassionate health professionals to deliver quality healthcare in the Gauteng Province. We aim to develop and sustain a production pipeline in areas where requisite skills are needed.
For more information contact:
Mr. L. Mapukata
Tel: (011) 355 3329
Fax: 0866059418
Email: Latani.Mapukata@gauteng.gov.za