Top Strategies to Prepare for Job Interviews

Before the Interview

  • Research the company: Know their products, services, mission, and values. This will help you tailor your answers and show your interest in the role.
  • Review the job description: Study the job requirements and be prepared to give specific examples of how you meet each qualification.
  • Prepare your story: Think about your experiences, skills, and achievements, and how they relate to the job.

Understanding the Question

  • Listen carefully: Pay attention to the question and take a moment to think before answering.
  • Clarify if unsure: If you’re not sure what they’re asking, ask for clarification. You can say, “Just to make sure I understand, could you elaborate on…?”
  • Take notes: If it helps, jot down key points you want to cover.

The STAR Method

  • S – Situation: Set the context for the story. Give a brief overview of the situation.
  • T – Task: Explain the task or challenge you faced.
  • A – Action: Describe the actions you took to address the challenge. Focus on your role and what you did.
  • R – Result: Share the outcome or result of your actions. Quantify it if possible (e.g., “increased sales by 15%”).

Answering Common Interview Questions

  • “Tell me about yourself”: Keep it brief, focus on your professional background, and highlight relevant experience.
    Example: “With [X years] of experience in [industry/field], I’ve developed strong skills in [key skills]. I’m excited about this role because…”
  • “Why do you want to work here?”: Show you’ve researched the company and align your goals with theirs.
    Example: “I’m impressed by [company’s achievements/values] and believe my skills can contribute to…”
  • “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”: Be honest, but strategic. Focus on strengths relevant to the job, and mention areas you’re working to improve.
    Example: “My strength is [skill], which I’ve used to achieve [result]. I’m working on [weakness] by [action].”

More Tips

  • Be specific, not vague: Use concrete examples and metrics to demonstrate your achievements.
  • Show enthusiasm and passion: Share your thoughts and ideas, and highlight why you’re a great fit.
  • Stay calm and confident: Take deep breaths, and remember it’s a conversation 😊.
  • Ask thoughtful questions: Show your interest in the company and role.

Example Answers

  • “Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge”:
    “Situation: Our team was facing a tight deadline. Task: I had to manage the project and ensure timely delivery. Action: I prioritized tasks, delegated work, and communicated with stakeholders. Result: We delivered the project on time, and the client was satisfied.”
  • “Why should we hire you?”:
    “With my skills and experience, I can contribute to [company goal]. I’m a strong team player with a passion for [industry/field].”

Final Tips

  • Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse common interview questions so you feel confident and prepared.
  • Be yourself: Authenticity goes a long way 😊.
  • Follow up: Send a thank-you note or email after the interview, reiterating your interest in the role.

Series of Armed Robberies Raises Safety Concerns in eMalahleni

Series of Armed Robberies Raises Safety Concerns in eMalahleni

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Vosman has raised serious concerns following a surge in violent armed robberies across parts of eMalahleni over the past two weeks. The incidents have left residents anxious and prompted police to urge heightened vigilance, particularly among pedestrians and motorists.

Incident in Extension 12

The first reported incident occurred on the evening of 16 January in Extension 12. According to police reports, a man who had just disembarked from a taxi was confronted by an armed suspect who demanded his travelling bag. When the victim resisted, the suspect allegedly assaulted him, striking him in the left eye with the butt of a firearm and continuing the attack until the victim fell to the ground. The suspect then fled the scene with the stolen bag.

Robbery on the Kwa-Guqa Main Road

On the morning of 20 January, a woman waiting for transport along the Kwa-Guqa main road was approached by two armed men. The suspects demanded her cellphone. In an attempt to prevent the theft, the victim threw the phone over a nearby fence. One of the suspects reportedly jumped the fence to retrieve the device, after which both suspects fled the area.

Stabbing and Robbery in Vosman

Later that same afternoon, at approximately 16:00, another violent incident was reported in Vosman. A man walking with two companions was confronted by two suspects. Police state that the victim was threatened and stabbed on the left side of his chest with a knife. The suspects allegedly robbed him of his cellphone and cash before fleeing the scene on foot.

Armed Robbery Targeting Delivery Workers

The crime wave escalated further on 23 January with two serious incidents. At around 06:15 in Extension 12, three armed suspects held up a bread delivery crew near a local tuck shop. The suspects reportedly robbed the workers of cash and cellphones and also stole six crates of bread before escaping.

N4 Tyre-Spiking Robbery

Later that night, a robbery was reported on the N4 road. A motorist traveling toward eMalahleni with a companion stated that they stopped to change a tyre after encountering spikes on the road. While doing so, two armed men emerged and threatened them with firearms. The suspects demanded money and personal belongings and allegedly attempted to force the victims to transfer money electronically. When this was unsuccessful, the suspects took cash and cellphones before fleeing on foot.

Police Response

Vosman SAPS has confirmed that investigations into all reported cases are ongoing. Police have urged residents to remain alert, avoid unnecessary risks, and be cautious about where they stop, particularly at night or in isolated areas.

SAPS continues to advise community members to remain crime-conscious at all times and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

Second Chance Matric Programme at Makhosana Manzini

📢 MATRIC (GRADE 12) RE-WRITE PROGRAMME

Makhosana Manzini High School

Makhosana Manzini High School invites eligible learners to register for the Second Chance Matric Programme, introduced by the Department of Basic Education, to support learners who wish to improve or complete their matric results.

🎓 Who Can Apply?

This programme is open to:

  • Learners who previously wrote Matric and want to improve their subject results
  • Learners who qualified to write Supplementary Exams (June)
  • Learners registered to write Matric as Part-Time Candidates

📚 Lessons Offered

  • FREE lessons for all interested learners
  • All subjects are offered (subject to the number of registered learners)

🕒 Lesson Times

  • Monday to Friday: 14:30 – 17:30
  • Saturdays: 08:00 – 13:00
  • School Holidays: 08:00 – 13:00

📝 Registration Procedure

  1. Register to write the subjects you want to improve at the school where you last wrote Grade 12 exams.
  2. Part-Time Candidates must enquire about the school authorised to register part-time candidates in their area (Centre around Mkhuhlu: Chayaza High School).
  3. After registering to write, proceed to Makhosana Manzini High School to register for lessons.

📅 Important Dates

  • Registration Now Open
  • Closing Date: 5 February 2026
  • Lessons Start: 9 February 2026

📍 School Details

Makhosana Manzini High School
📮 P.O. Box 15, Mkhuhlu, Calcutta “C”
📧 Email: makhosanamanizini@gmail.com
📞 Contact: School Principal – Nkuna MV
☎️ Cell: 083 747 4244

Exciting HR Clerk Opportunity: R228 321 Salary

POST 03/72: HR CLERK

Reference No: 1/2026
Contract: 6 Months
Salary: R228 321 per annum, plus 37% in lieu of service benefits
Centre: Pretoria

Requirements

  • Grade 12 certificate or equivalent qualification.
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and prescripts.
  • Knowledge of Human Resource practices within the Public Service.
  • Knowledge of PERSAL.
  • Computer literacy (MS Office).
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Flexibility, teamwork, and customer-focused approach.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Possession of a PERSAL certificate will be an added advantage.
  • Experiential learning in the HR field will be an added advantage.

Duties

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing comprehensive HR administrative support, including recruitment, selection, and appointment processes. Duties include sorting, capturing, and numbering applications; planning and arranging logistics for meetings; attending meetings and taking minutes; and drafting submissions.

The role further involves facilitating personnel suitability checks, drafting offer and regret letters, and executing PERSAL transactions related to recruitment and service benefits. The incumbent will support the administration of conditions of service and benefits, process leave applications, capture leave information on PERSAL, and respond to leave-related enquiries.

Additional responsibilities include acknowledging receipt of documents, sending HR forms to applicants, capturing nominations of beneficiaries, preparing documentation for pension withdrawals, opening and auditing staff personnel files, ensuring compliance with prescribed standards, and providing overall administrative support to the unit.

Enquiries

Mr K. Madike
Tel: (012) 444 6161

Applications

Email applications to: Recruitment126@tourism.gov.za

Note

Employment Equity (EE) requirements apply. Coloured Male and White Male candidates, as well as youth and people with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.

Singita Game Reserve -Warehouse Packing Assistant

Job Title: Warehouse Packing Assistant

Location: Johannesburg – South Africa
Reports to: Warehouse Controller

Job Overview

We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Warehouse Packing Assistant to support our warehouse operations. The successful candidate will assist the Warehouse Labelling Clerk with packing, labelling, and preparing boxes for shipment while maintaining a high level of accuracy, organization, and professionalism within the warehouse.

Key Responsibilities

  • Work closely with the Warehouse Labelling Clerk and fellow Packing Assistants to check and pack orders efficiently.
  • Physically verify box contents, including measuring box weights and dimensions in centimeters.
  • Pack, seal, and label boxes accurately and move completed boxes to the “Awaiting Shelving” bay.
  • Assist with basic receiving duties in the Receiving bay, including capturing delivery details on a mobile application (supplier name, number of boxes, tracking number).
  • Answer the receiving gate intercom and grant access to suppliers.
  • Support general packing activities when required.
  • Assist the Warehouse Controller with physical stock counts, including lodge returns and local delivery pallets and crates.
  • Maintain cleanliness, order, and safety within the warehouse at all times.

Skills and Requirements

  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective time-management skills with the ability to multitask.
  • Ability to work quickly, efficiently, and under pressure.
  • Strong teamwork skills.
  • South African nationality or a valid work permit is required.
  • A forklift license will be considered an advantage.

Physical Requirements

Please note that this is a physically demanding role, requiring long periods of standing, packing, lifting, and handling heavy boxes and goods.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email their CV and portfolio to SMCcareers@singita.com or apply online at www.singita.com/about/careers.