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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - Three young women from the Mossel Bay area have been deployed at the KwaNonqaba Police Station as interns as part of an Expanded Public Works Programme project which was rolled out in June 2022.

The interns are working in the human resources, supply chain and registration departments and receive a stipend.

The goal of the programme is to empower young people with skills and work experience.

According to station commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Virgie Julius, the three interns made a positive impact from day one.

"We, like so many other police stations, have a shortage of manpower and their support has been a great benefit to the station.

"They are from this area and it is good for us to give back and partner with the community to assist these young people in developing themselves, getting an education and practical exposure."

VIDEO - Lieut-Col Virgie Julius talks about the contributions of the interns at Kwa Nonqaba police station. Video: Alet Engelbrecht

Two of the interns, Baxolele Jwili and Nadia Davids, studied at South Cape College and were placed on the EPWP programme at the police station from March 2023 for the period of a year.

Baxolele says they are grateful for the opportunity: "Captain Stemela is our mentor and so far it has been a learning curve, working at the KwaNonqaba Police Station, in the depths of our community.

"We learn what it is like to serve the community and to mend relationships with them. We are also part of the police's Youth Desk which is a programme to create a better understanding between the youth, our community and the members of the police station."

Zukhanye Mkhalakahlu is a trainee from Chrysalis College, which trains young people as peace officers and security and administrative officers for three months and then sends them to government institutions for 12 months for workplace experience.

"I've applied for an extension for another 12 months. I enjoy working in the HR department and want to continue with that if possible."

Captain Sabatha Stemela, Viwe Zililo, Baxolele Jwili, Nadia Davids and Lieut-Col Virgie Julius.

Nadia Davids, station commander for KwaNonqaba, Lieut-Col Virgie Julius and Baxolele Jwili.

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