MOSSEL BAY NEWS -  Young Mossel Bay locals Luthando Qhamarana (20) and Emile Wagenaar (22) officially started their one-year internship at the KwaNonqaba Police Station this week.

Qhamarana and Wagenaar, former learners of Point High and Hillcrest Secondary, respectively, recently completed a three-month residential programme at Chrysalis Academy, a leadership development organisation and social crime prevention initiative by the Western Cape Government. 

Upon completion, they were offered their internships as part of the government’s Expanded Public Works Programme.

Qhamarana explained that the academy’s aim is youth development and unleashing youngsters’ potential through various skills programmes, including training for the security sector, being a peace officer, and office admin. Near the end, they were also exposed to community service and volunteering.

Looking to the year ahead, both said they were excited to gain new knowledge and experience, and perhaps get a chance at a permanent position at the station.

According to the spokesperson for the station, Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp, the interns’ roles are very much community-oriented, meaning the pair will form part of the support environment within the station. This includes, for example, assisting community members who visit the station with filling out documentation. 

Kapp said through this, they will learn more about how the internal processes work and quickly become familiar with certain terms. 

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