SA Post Office Grooms Graduate Learner Into Seasoned Communication Specialist

Annually, the SA Post Office opens its doors to budding students. These individuals have completed their degrees, and sought to implement their theoretical knowledge in working environments.
In 2011, fifty-five graduates participated in the graduate programme for unemployed youth. The programme grants experiential exposure or internship opportunities. It caters for unemployed graduates to complement the formal or theoretical knowledge already acquired. Experienced employees serve as coaches for the graduates in a drive to achieve the level of competence required per area of work.
Originally from Thohoyandou, Limpopo, Pretoria resident Emma Tshatsinde joined the SA Post Office’s twelve-month graduate programme, coupled with an honors degree in Corporate Communication and the 3 D’s – Determination, Dedication and Diligence – Tshatsinde was determined to learn all she could.

The communications manager, Johan Kruger, played a pivotal role in ensuring that Tshatsinde acquired all the skills needed to succeed in the programme. “Emma showed all the qualities that SA Post Office looks for in a potential employee. When she first arrived she was always eager to learn and took initiative,” says Kruger.
“The SA Post Office has offered me many lessons, both personally and professionally. I had to quickly adjust from being a student to being a member of a large organisation,” shares Tshatsinde.
Tshatsinde’s attitude and understanding that one needs to develop ‘thick skin’, found her taking on more challenging responsibilities – although the transition from student-to-worker may have occurred quickly – today Tshatsinde is employed as a Communication Specialist.
As Communication Specialist, some of Tshatsinde’s duties include – offering her communication skills to over three provinces, compiling and editing the national newsletter.
A strong believer in the grooming of young women, Tshatsinde believes young women ought to take advantage of being empowered in every possible way. She stresses that there are a few female leaders – “It’s important that we develop a society of self-sufficient young women, this way we’re guaranteed a future female leaders,” says Tshatsinde.
According to Tshatsinde, working for SA Post Office has offered her many opportunities; however, for her there is one particular highlight. “My greatest achievement remains having hosted the previous CEO to the women’s month celebrations in August 2011. I was responsible for ensuring a venue, sourcing caterers and entertainment during the celebrations and organising the motivational speakers,” said Tshatsinde.
Through learnership programmes, SA Post Office and organisations alike, offer solutions in equipping the students with skills, which potentially minimise the figures of youth unemployment.
“SA Post Office’s graduate programmes have been designed to allow graduates to follow a structured learning programme. This gives them the opportunity to acquire practical requirements for entry in the particular field of expertise,” says Kruger.
The number of graduates, who find themselves unemployed, post obtaining their qualification, is a growing concern in South Africa.
Tshatsinde offers this advice for students who find themselves unemployed post graduating: “The fact that you’ve graduated is an achievement on its own. I strongly advise unemployed graduates not give up, and to continue applying for jobs. Even if you start off at the bottom, do not despair, your hard work will pay off,” encourages Tshatsinde.

For more information on the SA Post Office, visit the official website www.postoffice.co.za  as well as the Virtual Post Office www.virtualpostoffice.co.za  follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/SouthAfricanPostOffice