CPUT disburses R1.7 million for WIL students

CPUT is significantly contributing to the fight against youth unemployment by allocating more than R1.7 million each month to assist students and recent graduates who are participating in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and internship programmes.

More than 1 400 students and interns receive monthly stipends of R2 000 to R5 500 directly in their bank accounts. This financial support, provided by generous CPUT donors and state-owned enterprises, helps cover essential living costs like transport and meals, enabling them to participate fully in industry placements away from home.

“We can report that 64% of the beneficiaries are female students,” says Calvin Maseko, Director of the Advancement Department. “This is an encouraging step in advancing the country’s transformation agenda. We’re extremely grateful to our donor partners who are making this possible.”

In a country where youth unemployment exceeds 43%, work-based learning (WIL) is essential. According to Stats SA, students who complete WIL or internships are more likely to secure employment quickly, as these programmes help connect academic knowledge with real-world job market demands.

“We see these stipends as enabling more than just transport or meals; they are unlocking access to opportunity,” adds Maseko.

He says that this initiative contributes directly to South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) by promoting youth employment and skills development and it also aligns with CPUT’s Vision 2030, which aims to produce socially responsive graduates equipped to thrive in a changing world.

“As a university, we’re committed to removing the financial barriers that prevent students from completing their work placements,” says Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer, Executive Director: Office of the Vice-Chancellor. “That’s essential for transformation and national growth.”

In July 2024, CPUT launched a cloud-based system to manage and track stipend recipients. This system helps prevent duplicate applications, enhances auditing and reporting, and strengthens overall project management.

“We’re rolling out this system across all WIL and internship projects at CPUT,” explains Maseko. “It ensures every beneficiary is recorded, allowing for better transparency and impact measurement.

“For those students placed within the university and paid through our payroll system, we have been prefunding stipends while waiting for donor payments,” says Hay-Swemmer. “This ensures students can continue their placements without interruption, which is critical for their learning and career readiness.”

She also extended heartfelt appreciation to students who have shown patience during delays and encouraged donors to strengthen their disbursement processes.

CPUT’s stipend programme is not just about financial assistance; it is about creating a pipeline of skilled, employable graduates who are ready to contribute to the economy and society. “With our donors’ support and our students’ resilience, we are investing in a transformed, capable South Africa,” Hay-Swemmer remarks.

Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za