Cisky Ngwenya’s story reflects the life-changing impact that skills development can have on young graduates seeking a step into the working environment. At 32 years old, Cisky, a young man from Pretoria, entered the BANKSETA-funded Kuyasa learnership programme.
Cisky was unemployed, actively searching for opportunities and on the verge of losing hope of finding employment or a learnership.
The opportunity came at a pivotal moment. After applying for the 2019 Kuyasa cohort, Cisky was one of the shortlisted candidates. He went through a psychometric and interview selection process, which was facilitated through a BANKSETA recruitment agency. His selection opened the door to structured workplace exposure, formal learning, and the possibility of building a sustainable career.
Learning While Working
Cisky heard about this programme through one of his mentors, who shared the opportunity with him. He was motivated to apply as the programme aligned with both his qualifications and his career ambitions. The learnership provided him with the dual benefit of workplace experience while simultaneously enrolling for an NQF Level 5 Certificate in Banking.
Balancing workplace learning with classroom-based studies requires discipline and adjustment. Cisky had to strengthen his time management skills so that he could perform well in both environments. Through this process, he discovered that personal growth is rooted to self-awareness, adaptability, and continuous improvement rather than perfection.
A Turning Point
The programme became more than just a learning opportunity; it became a bridge into his permanent employment.
Cisky’s host employer, ABSA, recognised his potential and absorbed him into a permanent position just three months into the learnership. Today, he is permanently employed through the opportunity he received from BANKSETA.
The impact continued beyond initial employment. Two years after joining his employer, Cisky was promoted, this marked an important milestone in his career progression. The learnership also enabled him to further his studies while working, and he proudly obtained his LLB qualification, adding to his academic achievements and strengthening his professional prospects.
Impact
For Cisky, BANKSETA opened “a world full of possibilities, ” he says. The programme helped him move from unemployment to meaningful work; this supported his personal growth and built confidence in pursuing bigger goals. He now believes that if he can imagine a goal, he can work towards achieving it.
His journey was also strengthened by the support of family. Cisky credits his sister as his biggest supporter, who helped him persevere and reach the finish line. This encouragement, combined with the structure of the programme, helped him to remain focused on the demands of work, study, and personal development.
Looking Ahead
Cisky’s future ambitions reflect the confidence and momentum he has gained. He plans to register for a master’s degree and, thereafter, possibly pursue a Doctoral degree. His long-term goal is to become the best version of himself and reach his full potential.
His advice to other young people is clear: never stop believing in possibilities. He encourages young people to keep working towards their dreams, to have a clear plan and, most importantly, to continue investing in themselves.
A Message of Gratitude
Reflecting on his journey, Cisky expresses gratitude to BANKSETA for affording him a life-changing opportunity. His message to BANKSETA is to continue making these opportunities available to young people, especially graduates, because of the lasting impact they have on individual lives, families, communities, and a country as a whole.