Honoured and happy to be here

“Reflections on Staying On: My Journey with Weskus” – Siyabonga Mdiza

You’re staying on at Weskus after your 2024 internship? How does that make you feel?

I feel honored and extremely happy to still be here. It’s a great privilege to continue my journey with the West Coast Disaster Management team, and I’m excited for the opportunity to contribute even more to the community.

What will you be doing, and where will you be working?

I will be working as an Emergency Call Taker and Call Dispatcher at the West Coast Disaster Management Centre in the control room. This role is essential in ensuring that emergency situations are handled efficiently, and I’m eager to continue learning and taking on more responsibilities as part of the team.

What are the most important things the internship taught you?

During my internship, I learned how to stay in control during emergency situations, ensuring that every response is effective and timely. I also learned how to maintain professionalism in a professional space, which is essential in high-pressure environments like disaster management. Finally, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of the integration system from both a political and municipal perspective. This knowledge has been crucial in understanding how different parts of the community work together to respond to crises effectively.