On 11th August 2025, the HSRC Internship Programme hosted an Exit Preparation Workshop at the Cape Town offices. This was part of a series of targeted workshops designed to ensure that the exiting interns (cohort of 2023-2025) are equipped with the skills, competencies, and tools necessary to transition into their following pathway. This workshop focused on the mental wellbeing of these interns as their internship journey is about to end, and also informed them of employment and study opportunities available for them to pursue. The theme of the workshop was Navigating Uncertainties: Life After the Internship Programme. The event was held in a hybrid format, with in-person attendance at the HSRC Cape Town offices and virtual participation via Microsoft Teams. A total of 30 participants attended the workshop.
Ms Bongiwe Moni, the Director of the External Capacity Development and Internships, facilitated the workshop. Ms Moni provided an overview of the internship programme, its objectives, and the rationale for the workshop, emphasising the importance of preparing the interns to develop their careers and further their studies. Hence, the partnership with Harambee and NRF. She also commended the personal and professional growth the interns had demonstrated throughout their internship journey. She also highlighted the significance of this cohort as it will be exiting in the year that the programme commemorates 20 years since its inception by the Department of Science, Technology & Innovation (DSTI).
Ms Leticia Mustafa, the HSRC Employee Wellness Practitioner, facilitated a discussion where interns shared their experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms during their placements, with input from both in-person and online participants. Her presentation, Thriving Beyond the Internship, offered advice on career development, psychosocial support, and self-motivation. The discussion also explored the sources of workplace anxiety that interns face, such as imposter syndrome, fear of failure, pressure to prove oneself, and the fear of the unknown. The interns were advised on ways to manage stress and maintain well-being, such as setting boundaries, managing energy, taking digital breaks, and preserving a work-life balance.
The workshop provided tools for career development, including job search strategies, personal branding, understanding job descriptions, writing CVs and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and leveraging professional social networks such as LinkedIn. This discussion was facilitated by Mr Kagiso Monyatsi, a Client Relationship Manager (Employer and Youth Services) from Harambe. He emphasised the importance of continuously developing one’s skills, openness to feedback, and recognising uncertainty as opportunities for growth. The discussion also included ways of handling rejection, emphasising the significance of requesting constructive feedback for improvement and valuable insights for future applications. Mr Monyatsi further emphasised the importance of obtaining necessary documents such as driver’s licenses and passports, as these are often required for job opportunities and international exchange programmes.
Ms Zodwa Mahlangu, a Professional Officer from the National Research Foundation (NRF), provided insights into available postgraduate funding opportunities. She thoroughly explained the eligibility criteria, scholarship types and values, and application process. She also highlighted that the age restrictions for the NRF postgraduate funding have been lifted. Ms Mahlangu pointed out that the NRF does not fund professional degrees such as MBAs, postgraduate diplomas, or second degrees at the same level, focusing instead on research-based degrees that contribute to the National System of Innovation. She also added that the NRF is working on creating a simple video guide for the application process, as the current guide was reportedly confusing.
Dr Lehlogonolo Makola and Dr Shandir Ramlagan from the HSRC’s Public Health, Societies & Belonging (PHSB) division presented on current research project opportunities within the institution and how the exiting interns could benefit from these opportunities. They discussed the South African National HIV Prevalence Incidence and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM), a vital project that largely influenced the national HIV/AIDS policy, public health, and research. They described this survey as a major source of information to measure the progress of implementing the South African National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, STIs, and TB. They also added that the survey data collection was finalised in 2022; therefore, they are currently working on the SABSSM VI post-survey response. This meant there are fieldwork opportunities that the exiting interns should consider applying for.
The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Ms Bongiwe Moni, who expressed her gratitude for the contribution the presenters and other participants made. She further expressed her pride in how the interns showed strength and courage throughout their journey. She announced the upcoming graduation ceremony for the exiting cohort, which will also commemorate 20 years of the internship programme. The session highlighted the HSRC’s commitment to nurturing young professionals and preparing them for meaningful careers in research and development.
