26 GRADUATES SECURE EMPLOYMENT THROUGH IYUNIVESITHI WALTER SISULU PARTNERSHIP

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu is strengthening its role in tackling graduate unemployment by equipping graduates with critical competencies in data science, artificial intelligence and spatial intelligence.

The University celebrated the graduation of 57 participants who completed the first cohort of the Walter Sisulu-NTG Solutions NQF Level 5 Data Science Programme through the Department of Employment and Labour's Labour Activation Programme (LAP).

Out of the 57gradautes, 95% of the graduates did their undergraduate programmes with Walter Sisulu, demonstrating the University's growing ability to retain, upskill and prepare its graduates for emerging opportunities in South Africa's digital economy.

The event showcased the impact of a strategic partnership between Walter Sisulu, NTG Solutions and the Department of Employment and Labour in creating a direct pipeline from higher education into employment.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning Prof Margaret Linington said the programme demonstrates how universities can move beyond awarding qualifications to actively responding to labour market demands and improving graduate employability.

"Qualifications are no longer enough. We need to make sure that graduates are employable. Employability is about having additional skills, and this partnership has done exactly that by providing specialised training in an area that will add value to the country and drive economic growth," said Linington.

She said partnerships of this nature enable universities to produce graduates who are equipped with specialised, industry-relevant skills while contributing directly to economic growth and community development.

NTG Solutions Managing Director Nyawa Dikwayo, said: “The initiative equips unemployed graduates from the OR Tambo District with advanced skills in data science, artificial intelligence and spatial intelligence critical competencies required to drive innovation, improve service delivery and support evidence-based development.”

 She announced that 26 graduates will immediately be absorbed into the company's projects and service offerings, providing nearly half of the graduating class with an immediate entry into the labour market.

"This programme positions graduates to contribute meaningfully to South Africa's development agenda. Specialised skills acquired by graduates have the potential to transform communities through informd planning and development. When we map informal settlements, artisans and smallholders, we make invisible economic activity visible. What becomes visible can be funded, formalised and grown," said Dikwayo.

The programme received strong support from national government. Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development Mzwanele Nyhontso described spatial intelligence professionals as critical to improving planning, strengthening communities and ensuring that development resources reach where they are needed most.

Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth commended the collaboration between iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu and NTG Solutions as a practical example of how public-private-academic partnerships can create sustainable employment opportunities for young people. She also committed to working with government departments and the OR Tambo District Municipality to secure employment opportunities for the graduates who have not yet been placed, building on the 26 already absorbed by NTG Solutions.

The initiative reflects iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu's Vision 2040+ commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically accomplished but are also equipped with future-critical skills that address societal challenges.

By Anita Roji