Recruitment scheme elicits mixed views

Graduates of a new government recruitment scheme who are supposed to benefit from it, have responded with mixed reactions to the move.

The Public Service Graduate Recruitment Scheme‚ which was launched by Public Service and Administration Minister Ayanda Dlodlo at the University of Johannesburg (UJ)‚ is government’s response to resolving the problem of unemployed graduates.

But not everyone was convinced following Dlodlo’s address, with some saying they were left with more questions than answers.

A department of infrastructure intern‚ Ayanda Madondo‚ said she was not convinced the scheme would improve graduates’ chances of getting full-time employment.

“[It looks] good on paper, but is not really sustainable because it’s all well and good to have internships over one to two years‚ but what happens when these come to an end, because we are still not employable? Job vacancies want five years of work experience.”

A Human resources graduate at the university‚ said: “There is way too much corruption in the government sectors. One can only hope that this programme materialises. Graduate unemployment is a serious issue confronting mostly young black graduates”.

She also raised concerns over the actual details of how the scheme would be implemented.

“I wish the minister stayed for the question and answer session‚ to answer and provide clarity on how the scheme is different from ones that already exist.”

Dlodlo left promptly after giving her address and did not take questions from the audience. She did‚ however‚ commit to availing the information about the scheme online.