Services SETA has conducted a monitoring visit at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) to check the situation of 110 students who are supported for practical workplace training as they go towards graduating in 2027.
The monitoring visit occurred on 18 August 2026 and was carried out to ascertain programme implementation, compliance and student welfare.
The students are taking part in a workplace training initiative supported by Services SETA under a five-year partnership with MUT.
In line with the student participants’ needs, the programme offers them a chance to acquire practical experience in professional workplaces while studying towards graduation.
110 MUT students placed in workplaces
The programme comprises of students from two MUT academic departments and there are 55 students in each group.
The participating groups include:
Department of Public Management and Economics: 55 students.
Department of Office Management Technology: 55 students.
They have been placed in a number of public institutions and MUT departments to help them gain exposure into the activities that take place in the real workplace.
The placements include eThekwini Municipality, Sizakala Customer Care Centres, King Dinuzulu Hospital, Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital and respective departments in MUT.
The placements provide the students with the opportunity to develop practical skills while implementing knowledge acquired in their studies.
Services SETA monitors programme progression
The Services SETA monitoring visit was conducted to ascertain the progression of the programme and ensure that students receive adequate support.
Busisiwe Twala, Services SETA’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Operations Officer expressed her satisfaction with the initiative during her visit.
Monitoring is an integral part of a workplace training programme since it enables the funder and institution to ascertain the extent at which the placements are functioning properly and addressing the students’ needs.
It also provides the opportunity to highlight any challenges before they impede the completion of the programme.
MUT reports positive employer feedback
MUT’s Department of Co-operative Education reported receiving positive feedback from the organisations hosting the students.
Sibongile Bulose said that the employers were pleased with the students and drew attention to the conduct of the students in the workplace.
She also acknowledged the significant role of Services SETA’s financial support in facilitating the transition of the students from academic learning into practical workplace environments.
For students who are preparing for employment, the transition can offer them the chance to develop professional skills that are not easily acquired in a classroom setting.
Students face real workplace challenges
From the experiences of students who have participated in the programme, one can see that the placements are a real exposure into the practical aspects of the workplace.
Andiswa Mtshali, is a Diploma in Office Management and Technology student who is currently working in the reception area at Addington Hospital.
Her responsibilities include handling incoming telephone calls, assisting with patient intake and filing.
The busy hospital resulted in challenges associated with high patient volumes. Mtshali responded to these challenges by adopting queue-management approaches to help manage the reception process and the movement of patients.
The experience has also helped her enhance her communication and interpersonal skills.
Communication challenges become learning opportunities
Another student, Kanele Zulu, is completing a Diploma in Office Management and Technology and is placed in the Radiology department at Addington Hospital.
Zulu experienced communication challenges when interacting with a doctor and when assisting patients who were not able to communicate verbally.
He responded by conducting independent research and adapting the manner in which he communicated with people in the workplace.
Such experiences highlight how the workplace learning can require students to solve challenges and adapt to situations that are not easily experienced in a conventional classroom.
Why workplace experience is important
Academic qualifications provide students with the knowledge and theoretical foundation, but workplace exposure can help them understand how organisations function in practice.
During the workplace training, students may develop skills, such as:
Professional communication.
Customer and public service.
Teamwork.
Administration.
Problem-solving.
Time management.
Workplace conduct.
Adapting to different professional environments.
These skills may become useful when graduates begin applying for employment.
However, completing the workplace training does not guarantee permanent employment. Employment depends on vacancies, employer requirements and other factors.
Students are working towards 2027 graduation
The participating students are approaching the completion of their workplace placements and are expected to continue progressing towards the graduation in 2027.
The workplace component is part of the bigger journey from academic study to professional experience.
For the students who are taking part in the programme, successfully completing the placement can provide them with practical exposure and experience that may be relevant when they enter the job market.
What the programme means for future applicants
The monitoring visit is not an announcement of a new Services SETA internship application.
The supplied information does not provide a new intake date, closing date, stipend amount or eligibility requirements for prospective applicants.
Students who are interested in similar opportunities should therefore look for separate official programme announcements.
Before applying for any internship, check:
- The programme provider and funder.
- Who qualifies.
- The qualification or field of study required.
- The placement location.
- The duration of the internship.
- Whether a stipend is provided.
- The official closing date.
- The correct application procedure.
A partnership focused on the transition into work
The MUT and Services SETA partnership illustrates how higher education institutions and sector skills authorities can work together to provide students with workplace exposure.
For the 110 students who are participating in the current programme, their immediate priority is to complete their practical training successfully and continue towards the graduation in 2027.
Their experiences also highlight why workplace learning is important in preparing students for the realities of employment.
Source
Source: Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) — information concerning the Services SETA monitoring visit held on 18 August 2026 and the workplace training programme involving 110 MUT students.
Mangosuthu University of Technology official website
Editorial policy
This article was independently written for South African readers using the supplied MUT information as the factual source. The report provides additional context around workplace learning while keeping the reported programme details separate from general career guidance.
No unsupported stipend amounts, application deadlines, eligibility requirements or employment outcomes have been added.
Disclaimer
The programme described is a specific Services SETA supported initiative involving 110 MUT students. It should not be interpreted as an announcement that applications for a new internship intake are open.
Programme requirements, funding and availability may change. Prospective applicants should confirm current information through the relevant institution or official programme administrator.
Student awareness
Students should be cautious of people or websites claiming to offer guaranteed SETA internships or jobs.
Do not pay for guaranteed placement. Verify the programme and application process through official channels before sharing identity documents, banking details or other personal information.
