The Durban University of Technology (DUT) partnered with an Information Technology (IT) consulting custom software development company, Projectized Management (Pty) Ltd in providing unique work opportunities to seven DUT graduates. The company is based in Johannesburg and Durban. The internship was centered on both business work experience and providing mentorship and guidance.
The partnership was formed in 2021. It came as part of the package for purchasing and implementing South African Research Management System (SARMS) at DUT, Projectized Management committed to upskilling DUT graduates on SARMS (in testing and support) as well as providing them with different workplace experience. The graduates were under an initiative called PM Academy which trains interns yearly.
The interns who benefited from the programme were Nokwanda Mjwara, Kwenzeka Gumede, Xolani Simiso Ngubane, Nduduzo Mbutho, Sibusiso Msibi, Lynette Z.Bhengu, Sinethemba Mbonane and Thembelihle Dlamini. They stemmed from different DUT departments and faculties.
Human Resources Management graduate, Xolani Magubane shared his experience with the company. “As an aspiring Chartered HR Practitioner, I have been provided with ample learning opportunities and exposure to various HR functions such as recruitment, disciplinary procedures and HR administration,” he said.
Projectized Management (Pty) Ltd Managing Director, Nokuthula ‘Nokky’ Ndlovu said that their implementation of SARMS and the Higher Degrees Committee automation is a testimony of international digital transformation and alignment with ENVISION2030.
“This project displayed decisive leadership and connected staff with Research and Innovation who are happy to journey on the new digits era, the commitment of 07h30 meetings led by Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Keolebogile Motaung and her team also contributed to exposing our interns in reality-based project delivery,” she added.
Ndlovu explained that the Projectized Management’s intention was to close the skill gap through reality base project approach and exposure for graduates that come into their space.
Skills acquired by the interns included; Product Life Cycle Development, Software Engineering & Development and Software Testing; Digital Marketing, Planning & Presentation Skills, Project and Meeting minutes; User Story Board journaling, User Requirements Analysis, Sprint; International Cyber Security Certificates; Events and Conference exhibitions, Strategic Business Engagement; Marketing Products, Customer Experience Surveys; HR administration, Recruitment, Onboarding, and tender administration.
Ndlovu concluded that the program was a success with five of the seven interns absorbed as full-time resources into the company and one receiving an offer from a leading international auditing firm and the second one with a leading software development company.
“This is a testament of the success of the internship, interns that have gone through the PM (Pty) Ltd internships are highly sought,” said Ndlovu.
Dr Themba Msukwini, Acting Director: Co-operative Education at DUT extended his gratitude to Projectized Management (Pty) Ltd.
“We wish to thank Projectized Management (Pty) Ltd for giving the DUT students internship and also hiring five of them after the internship. These graduates have obtained employment because of their positive attitude on their work. Co-operative Education Unit will seek external funding for internships to support more students,” he said.
Pictured: From the left: Sinethemba Mbonane, Xolani Magubane, Nduduzo Mbutho, Nokuthula Nokky Ndlovu (MD: Projectized Management), Kwenzeka Gumede, Thembelihle Dlamini, Dr. Themba Msukwini (DUT Co-operative Education), Nokwanda Mjwara & Lynette Bhengu.
Nikiwe Sukazi
