The inaugural partnership between Ithala SOC Limited and the Graduate Institute of Financial Sciences has afforded 25 students who could not afford post-matric study a learnership programme that will give them the necessary skills for the banking sector.
The need for such flexibility arises from the dynamic environment of the banking sector and also reflects the fact that general education is valued within the banking sector.
This 12-month programme is aimed at students who want to study to specialise in various areas of retail banking, such as customer service or sales, bank teller and retail credit.
The learnership programme consists of modules that focus on applying financial practices to the business; to provide financial solutions to clients; and to manage budgets and business continuity risks.
Dr Thulani Vilakazi, CEO of Ithala SOC Limited, said Ithala believes that redefining what wealth means; educating especially rural people; and giving South Africans the necessary tools to manage their money, can help address the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
“This qualification provides students with as many opportunities as possible to use what they learn in this curriculum and prepare them for lifelong learning in the workplace.
“The partnership gives Ithala the opportunity to enable those who do not have the means to study after matriculation to pursue a career that works for them.”
Lindelwa Ntsele from Nkandla, a town in the uThungulu district of KZN, said: “I matriculated from Godide High School in 2013 and later pursued my studies at the University of Zululand.
“I could not complete the remaining four modules in my last year of study as I did not have the funds to do so. Ithala’s learnership programme will certainly benefit me and allow me to have a successful career.”
Thulasizwe Mhlongo from Vryheid, a town in northern KZN, said: “After matriculating from Vryheid High School in 2016, I enrolled at Durban University of Technology for financial accounting.
“However, I could not further my studies because of financial difficulties. The learnership programme offered by Ithala will help me understand the world of finance and business and allow me to further my studies.”
Harisha Rajbunsie from Phoenix, north of Durban, said the learnership programme will benefit her as she does not have the financial means to study and it will give her an opportunity to have a qualification.
“Ithala is always willing to help people and that is something I admire about the organisation as I have a passion to help people as well.
“This learnership programme will definitely kick-start my career in the financial industry.”
Nelisiwe Makhanya from Umbumbulu, south of Durban, matriculated from Sibusisiwe High School.
“This learnership programme will help me as it will provide with me with financial and banking skills which will enable me to acquire employment.
“Thank you Ithala for giving me this amazing opportunity.”
Ithala SOC Limited is the only state-owned entity that provides full banking and insurance services; is already fully regulated by the South African Reserve Bank and other banking industry regulators; and is fully committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.
A current distribution network of 38 branches in KZN provides convenient transacting facilities. Ithala offers a comprehensive portfolio of business banking, persona banking, and insurance solutions.
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