On 5 June 2018, 13 interns were inducted at the Northern Cape Office of the Premier. Addressing attendees, Director General at the Office of the Premier (OTP), Mr. Justice Bekebeke shared the following words of encouragement, “This is an opportunity that you must grab with both hands and your tomorrow depends on you. Make use of this internship and learn as much as you can as this will result in a very fruitful future for you wherever you go.”

Deputy Director General at OTP, Gugulethu Matlaopane, welcomed all interns and learners who excitedly anticipated the day’s proceedings; “I feel empowered and overwhelmed sitting in the midst of these young brains. As a mother and woman, I am proud to be sitting with intelligent young people and this shows our country is on the right path.”

DDG Matloapane said it was important for young people entering the job market to see this as a privilege and by fully committing to this internship and gaining experience, it will propel interns and learners to establish themselves in their chosen careers. Furthermore, she reiterated the Batho Pele Principles of helping those in need and acquiring knowledge that will benefit both the employee and public at large.

OTP officials from their respective units encouraged interns and those participating in the learnership programme to enjoy the new phase in their lives, but most importantly to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Interns were also reminded that they wereintellectual elites and that they not forget governments’ objectives in serving the public to the best of their ability and to be courageous at the workplace to do the right thing.