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KZN Social Development WIL Programme 2026/2027: X36 Paid Placements Offering R4,000 a Month for TVET N6 Students

KZN Social Development WIL Programme 2026/2027: X36 Paid Placements Offering R4,000 a Month for TVET N6 Students
Written by Sifiso Mhlongo

 

You have completed your N6 qualification. You have spent months attending classes, writing examinations, completing assignments and working towards your National Diploma.

But there is one final obstacle standing between you and that qualification: the practical workplace experience you still need.

For many TVET College students, finding an employer willing to provide that experience can be one of the most frustrating stages of their educational journey.

Now, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA), is offering an opportunity that could help qualifying students move forward.

The KZN Social Development Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme 2026/2027 is inviting applications for 36 workplace-learning placements, offering a monthly stipend of R4,000 over 18 months.

The programme targets unemployed TVET College students who have completed N6 in Public Management, Management Assistant, Financial Management or Human Resource Management.

For successful applicants, this could provide the practical experience needed to progress towards their National Diploma, subject to the applicable institutional requirements.

However, applications close on 19 October 2026.

If you have been waiting for an opportunity to complete your workplace training, this is an advertisement worth examining carefully.

Quick Overview: KZN Social Development WIL Programme 2026/2027

  • Department: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development
  • Programme: Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme 2026/2027
  • Partner: Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA)
  • Total placements: 36
  • Monthly stipend: R4,000
  • Duration: 18 months
  • Province: KwaZulu-Natal
  • Qualification required: Relevant completed N6 National Certificate
  • Fields: Public Management, Management Assistant, Financial Management and Human Resource Management
  • Target group: Unemployed TVET College students residing in KwaZulu-Natal who require workplace experience
  • Previous WIL participation: Applicants must not have previously participated in a WIL programme in national, provincial or local government
  • Application methods: Provincial e-Recruitment platform, postal submission or hand delivery
  • Closing date: 19 October 2026

Official online application platform: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial e-Services – S’thesha Waya Waya

Applicants must use the correct programme reference number and specify their preferred area of placement.

What Is the KZN Social Development Work Integrated Learning Programme?

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development is responsible for delivering social development services, coordinating welfare programmes, supporting vulnerable communities and implementing social protection initiatives across the province.

Like many government departments, it relies on professionals working in administration, finance, human resources, programme coordination and organisational support.

Through its partnership with HWSETA, the Department is creating structured workplace-learning opportunities for unemployed TVET students.

The programme will run for 18 months, allowing selected participants to gain practical experience related to their qualifications.

This is particularly important for students completing NATED or Report 191 business-related qualifications.

In many of these programmes, completing N6 theoretical studies is not the final requirement for obtaining a National Diploma.

Students must also complete relevant practical workplace experience and satisfy the institution’s assessment and documentation requirements.

The Edupstairs HWSETA Programme Hub provides further information about skills development, learnerships, internships, occupational qualifications and workplace-learning pathways in the health and welfare sector.

Students can also investigate the HWSETA Work Integrated Learning pathway to understand how workplace placements support qualification development.

Important: WIL participation does not automatically award a National Diploma. Students must still satisfy their college’s practical-training, assessment and certification requirements.

KZN Social Development WIL Programme 2026/2027: All 36 Placements and Reference Numbers

The Department has allocated nine placements to each of the four qualification streams.

Applicants should apply for the stream corresponding to the N6 qualification they have completed.

  1. Public Management WIL Programme – 9 Placements

Reference Number: PM/WIL/01/2026/27

Required qualification: N6 National Certificate in Public Management.

Number of placements: 9

The advertised placement distribution is:

  • Head Office, Pietermaritzburg – 3
  • Harry Gwala – 1
  • eThekwini South – 1
  • iLembe – 1
  • King Cetshwayo – 1
  • uMzinyathi – 1
  • uThukela – 1

Why should Public Management N6 students consider this opportunity?

Public Management involves understanding how government institutions operate, administer programmes and deliver services.

While classroom learning provides a theoretical foundation, workplace experience can introduce students to public-service administration and organisational procedures.

Depending on their assigned responsibilities, participants may gain exposure to document management, administrative communication, programme coordination, recordkeeping and public-service operations.

These are examples of possible workplace activities, not guaranteed duties in the advertisement.

Students interested in longer-term government careers can use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to investigate public administration occupations and relevant qualifications.

They can also explore the DPSA Entry-Level Government Jobs Hub to understand the types of government positions available to qualifying applicants.

  1. Management Assistant / Personal Assistant WIL Programme – 9 Placements

Reference Number: MA/WIL/02/2026/27

Required qualification: N6 National Certificate in Management Assistant.

Number of placements: 9

Available placements:

  • Head Office, Pietermaritzburg – 2
  • uMgungundlovu – 1
  • Harry Gwala – 1
  • eThekwini South – 1
  • uMkhanyakude – 1
  • King Cetshwayo – 1
  • uMzinyathi – 1
  • uThukela – 1

Why this programme matters for Management Assistant students

A Management Assistant qualification can prepare students for administrative responsibilities in government, corporate and other organisational environments.

However, employers often expect candidates to understand office procedures, professional communication, scheduling and information management.

An 18-month workplace placement could help selected students develop these capabilities in an operational setting.

Potential areas of experience include office coordination, correspondence, meeting administration, records management and administrative support.

Students can investigate related occupations such as Office Administrator, Executive Assistant and Administrative Officer through the Career & Qualification Explorer.

  1. Financial Management WIL Programme – 9 Placements

Reference Number: FM/WIL/03/2026/27

Required qualification: N6 National Certificate in Financial Management.

Number of placements: 9

Available placements:

  • Head Office, Pietermaritzburg – 3
  • eThekwini South – 1
  • iLembe – 1
  • uMkhanyakude – 1
  • uMzinyathi – 1
  • uThukela – 1
  • Amajuba – 1

Why Financial Management N6 students should pay attention

Financial Management is not simply about understanding accounting principles or completing calculations.

Professional finance environments require accuracy, accountability, recordkeeping and compliance with established procedures.

Workplace exposure could help students understand how financial and administrative processes operate within a government department.

Possible learning areas include expenditure administration, financial documentation, reconciliation processes, budgeting support and financial record management, depending on assigned duties.

These skills may be relevant to future career pathways in financial administration, accounting support and public-sector finance.

Students can research relevant qualifications and occupations using the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer.

Those interested in the financial services industry can also explore the Edupstairs SETA Platform, including financial and accounting skills-development pathways.

  1. Human Resource Management WIL Programme – 9 Placements

Reference Number: HRM/WIL/04/2026/27

Required qualification: N6 National Certificate in Human Resource Management.

Number of placements: 9

Available placements:

  • uMgungundlovu – 1
  • eThekwini North – 1
  • eThekwini South – 1
  • iLembe – 1
  • uMkhanyakude – 1
  • King Cetshwayo – 1
  • uMzinyathi – 1
  • uThukela – 1
  • Amajuba – 1

Why this opportunity could be important for future HR practitioners

Human Resource Management is concerned with supporting employees, organisational development, recruitment processes and workplace administration.

For an N6 student, studying HR theories and policies is an important foundation.

Applying those principles in a professional environment is another stage of development.

A WIL placement may provide exposure to personnel administration, employee records, recruitment coordination, training documentation and workplace communication, depending on the department’s activities.

Students can explore Human Resources career and qualification pathways and investigate additional workplace opportunities through the SETA Platform.

Where Will the 36 WIL Participants Be Placed?

The Department’s advertisement identifies the following total placement allocations:

  • Head Office, Pietermaritzburg – 8 placements
  • uMgungundlovu – 2 placements
  • Harry Gwala – 2 placements
  • eThekwini North – 1 placement
  • eThekwini South – 4 placements
  • iLembe – 3 placements
  • uMkhanyakude – 3 placements
  • King Cetshwayo – 3 placements
  • uMzinyathi – 4 placements
  • uThukela – 4 placements
  • Amajuba – 2 placements

Total: 36 placements.

Applicants should carefully identify the placement location listed for their qualification.

The advertisement requires applicants to indicate their preferred area of placement, and successful candidates must be prepared to relocate to an allocated office at their own expense.

Edupstairs Advice: Choosing a district should involve more than identifying the location closest to home.

Before applying, consider transport, accommodation and whether relocation would be financially manageable on the advertised R4,000 monthly stipend.

The Department has not advertised a separate relocation or accommodation allowance.

Who Qualifies for the KZN Social Development WIL Programme?

According to the official advertisement, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Be an unemployed TVET College student who has completed N6 in one of the advertised disciplines.
  2. Reside within KwaZulu-Natal.
  3. Have never participated in a WIL programme in national, provincial or local government.
  4. Be computer literate.
  5. Be prepared to relocate to an allocated office at their own expense.
  6. Be willing to undergo a selection process, including a structured interview.
  7. Provide a letter from their learning institution confirming the need for Work Integrated Learning.
  8. Submit the documentation and information specified in the advertisement.

Applicants must also ensure that their application corresponds with the relevant qualification, placement area and reference number.

Can applicants apply with Grade 12 only?

No. This programme specifically requires a completed N6 National Certificate in one of the advertised fields.

Can university graduates apply?

The advertisement specifically invites TVET College students who have completed N6.

Applicants who hold university diplomas or degrees but not the specified N6 qualification should not assume they meet these requirements.

University graduates can research other opportunities through the Edupstairs Internships and Graduate Opportunities section.

Is there an age limit?

The supplied advertisement does not specify a numerical age limit.

Applicants should not automatically assume that an 18–35 age restriction applies to this particular intake.

Why 18 Months of WIL Experience Matters for N6 Students

One of the most important distinctions applicants should understand is the difference between completing N6 theoretical studies and obtaining a National Diploma.

For applicable Report 191 business and services programmes, the National Diploma pathway normally includes 18 months of relevant workplace experience.

The Department of Higher Education and Training explains this practical-experience requirement in its Report 191 programme guidance.

This is why Work Integrated Learning opportunities are particularly valuable to qualifying TVET students.

A successful placement could allow a student to:

  • Gain relevant workplace experience.
  • Apply academic knowledge to practical tasks.
  • Develop professional communication and administrative skills.
  • Build a stronger employment record.
  • Obtain workplace evidence required by their college, where applicable.
  • Progress towards National Diploma completion after meeting all applicable requirements.

Think about the difference between finishing N6 and remaining without workplace experience indefinitely, compared with completing relevant practical training and becoming eligible to pursue the next qualification milestone.

The second outcome is not guaranteed simply by joining a programme, but it provides a clear reason to take legitimate WIL opportunities seriously.

Students who need more information about qualification requirements can contact their TVET College’s WIL or placement office.

How to Apply for the KZN Social Development WIL Programme 2026/2027

The Department has provided three application methods.

Option 1: Apply Online Through the Provincial e-Recruitment Platform

Applicants can use the official KwaZulu-Natal Provincial e-Services platform, also known as S’thesha Waya Waya.

Apply through the official Provincial e-Recruitment Platform

Follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official e-Services website.
  2. Register an account or sign in if you already have one.
  3. Navigate to the relevant provincial recruitment service.
  4. Look for the Department of Social Development Work Integrated Learning Programme 2026/2027.
  5. Identify the qualification stream and correct reference number.
  6. Complete the application process and provide the required information.
  7. Submit the application before the closing date.

If the vacancy cannot be located, contact the Department using its published enquiry numbers rather than assuming that an unrelated recruitment listing is the correct one.

Option 2: Submit Your Application by Post

Applications must be addressed to:

The Head of Department
Department of Social Development
Private Bag X9144
Pietermaritzburg
3200

Applicants using postal services should allow sufficient delivery time because applications must reach the Department before the deadline.

Option 3: Hand Deliver Your Application

Applications may be hand delivered to:

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development
174 Mayors Walk
Pietermaritzburg

Applicants should confirm office access and receiving arrangements before travelling.

Documents Required for the WIL Application

The official advertisement requires the following documents and information:

  1. Fully completed Z83 form. Use the prescribed government application form and ensure the information is accurate.
  2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae. Include your contact telephone number, physical address and postal address.
  3. Copy of your identity document.
  4. Copies of your qualifications, including your N6 Certificate. The advertisement expressly states that an N6 statement of results is not sufficient.
  5. Proof of residence. This is important because the opportunity is restricted to KwaZulu-Natal residents.
  6. Letter from your learning institution. The letter must indicate that you need workplace experience through WIL.
  7. Affidavit confirming no previous WIL participation. Applicants must confirm they have never participated in a WIL programme before.

The Department also requires applicants to clearly identify the business unit and relevant reference number.

Applicants who need the prescribed government application form can access the New Z83 Application Form and completion guidance on Edupstairs.

Important: The advertisement requests copies of documents but does not expressly state that every copy must be certified at the initial submission stage. Applicants should follow any additional instructions communicated through the official application channel.

A Simple Application Mistake That Could Cost You Consideration

Imagine preparing a complete CV, obtaining your institutional WIL letter and submitting an application, only to discover that you attached a statement of results instead of the required N6 certificate.

That is precisely the kind of avoidable problem applicants should prevent.

The Department clearly specifies that an N6 Certificate is required.

Another common mistake is applying without the correct reference number or forgetting the affidavit.

Before submitting your application, review the documentation requirements against the original advertisement rather than relying on a general internship checklist.

Selection Process and Important Application Conditions

The Department confirms that candidates must be prepared to participate in a selection process, including a structured interview.

Applicants should also understand the following conditions:

  • Late applications will not be considered.
  • Faxed applications will not be accepted.
  • Incomplete or non-compliant applications may be disqualified.
  • Correspondence will be limited to selected candidates.
  • Applicants who have not been contacted within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
  • The Department applies its Employment Equity Plan and requests information concerning race, gender and disability status for employment equity purposes.

Closing Date: 19 October 2026.

For recruitment enquiries, contact:

Mr CM Ndlovu
Human Resource Utilization and Development
Telephone: 033 264 2196 / 2141 / 2129

Explore TVET Colleges and Qualifications Through Edupstairs

Whether you are applying for this programme or still working towards N6, understanding your educational pathway is essential.

The Edupstairs TVET College Explorer helps students investigate South Africa’s 50 public TVET colleges, including available courses, campuses, NATED programmes, occupational qualifications and application resources.

Students in KwaZulu-Natal may find the following college resources particularly useful:

These resources can help prospective and current students investigate study options, but they do not change the requirements of the Department’s WIL intake.

Students who have already completed N6 should prioritise contacting their college’s WIL office for their official workplace-experience confirmation letter.

What Comes After Your N6 National Diploma?

Completing WIL should be part of a longer-term career development strategy.

A student who qualifies for a National Diploma may wish to pursue employment, additional occupational training or further higher education.

The Edupstairs University Explorer allows students to investigate South African universities, qualifications, admission requirements and application information.

Depending on their qualifications and institutional admission rules, students may explore further studies in Public Administration, Business Administration, Financial Management, Accounting, Human Resource Management and related fields.

Important: An N6 qualification or National Diploma does not automatically guarantee admission into a university degree or advanced diploma. Each institution determines its own entry and recognition requirements.

Students uncertain about their future occupation can use the Edupstairs Career Discovery Assessment to explore career interests before researching specific qualifications.

The Career & Qualification Explorer provides access to South African occupational and qualification information, including 1,511 OFO careers and more than 22,000 SAQA qualification records.

Explore HWSETA and Other SETA Work Integrated Learning Opportunities

HWSETA is one of South Africa’s 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities.

Its sector includes health services, social development, community care and welfare-related occupations.

Students who want to investigate additional workplace-learning opportunities can use the Edupstairs SETA Platform.

The platform brings together information about skills-development pathways across all 21 SETAs, including:

For this opportunity, the most relevant resources are the HWSETA Programme Hub and the HWSETA Work Integrated Learning Guide.

Students should remember that an educational programme appearing in the SETA database does not automatically mean funding or applications are currently available.

Always confirm the relevant intake and eligibility conditions with the responsible organisation.

Latest Internships and Graduate Opportunities Published on Edupstairs

A successful career search should not depend on one application.

While this KZN programme specifically targets TVET N6 students, Edupstairs has recently published several other internship and graduate opportunities worth investigating.

  1. CHIETA Internship Programme 2026 – R7,000 Monthly

CHIETA has advertised 24-month internships in Human Resources, Administration and ICT. The HR and Administration opportunities close on 16 October 2026, while the ICT opportunity closes on 23 October 2026.

Read the CHIETA Internship Programme 2026 application guide.

  1. Government Printing Works Internship Programme 2026 – 45 Opportunities

Government Printing Works is offering graduate internship placements in various disciplines, including administration, human resources, finance and ICT.

The advertised stipend is R8,174.75 per month, with applications closing on 19 October 2026.

Explore the Government Printing Works Internship Programme 2026.

  1. Limpopo Public Works Graduate Internships 2027–2029 – 60 Positions

The Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure has advertised 60 graduate internship opportunities across infrastructure and property-related fields.

The programme offers 24 months of workplace experience and an advertised stipend of R8,174.75 per month. Applications close on 6 November 2026.

Read the Limpopo Public Works Graduate Internship Programme 2027–2029.

  1. National Department of Health Graduate Internships 2026–2028

The National Department of Health has advertised five internship opportunities for qualifying graduates in Microbiology and Biotechnology.

The positions offer R8,174.75 per month over 24 months, with applications closing on 26 October 2026.

View the National Department of Health Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2028.

  1. Four Dimensions Internships and Graduate Opportunities 2026

Four Dimensions has advertised internships and fixed-term opportunities in Information Technology, Banking, Finance, Compliance and Human Resources.

Remuneration and qualification requirements vary by position, and the reviewed listings did not specify a closing date.

Explore the Four Dimensions Internships and Graduate Opportunities 2026.

  1. Engen Graduate Development Programme 2026

Engen has advertised a graduate development programme covering disciplines such as Human Resources, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain and Marketing.

The programme has a 70% academic-average requirement and an advertised closing date of 15 December 2026.

Read the Engen Graduate Development Programme 2026 guide.

Applicants should check the eligibility conditions and current status of each opportunity. Most of these graduate internships require qualifications different from the N6 certificates accepted for the KZN WIL programme.

For ongoing updates, visit Edupstairs’ latest internships and graduate opportunities.

Official Requirements vs Edupstairs Guidance

Official Departmental Requirements

The following details are taken from the supplied KZN Department of Social Development WIL Programme 2026/2027 advertisement:

  • The 36 advertised placements.
  • The four N6 qualification streams.
  • The relevant reference numbers.
  • The district and Head Office allocations.
  • The R4,000 monthly stipend.
  • The 18-month programme duration.
  • KwaZulu-Natal residency requirements.
  • Previous WIL participation restrictions.
  • Mandatory application documents.
  • Application methods and submission addresses.
  • The 19 October 2026 closing date.

Additional Edupstairs Guidance

The advice about career planning, CV preparation, relocation budgeting, institutional qualification requirements and exploring alternative internships represents independent Edupstairs guidance.

Links to the University Explorer, TVET College Explorer, Career & Qualification Explorer, Career Discovery Assessment and SETA Platform are educational resources.

They are not additional conditions imposed by the Department of Social Development.

Continue Your Career Journey:

Your career planning should continue beyond a single application. The following Edupstairs resources can help you identify further education, training and employment opportunities.

Tools you may find useful:

View Other Employment Opportunities here

Need Help?

Edupstairs Advice: Don’t Allow Your N6 Qualification to Remain Your Final Achievement

If you have completed N6 but are still searching for practical experience, you already understand how difficult this stage can be.

You have done the theoretical work.

You have invested time in your education.

You may even have watched former classmates progress in their careers while you continue searching for somewhere to complete your training.

But the next chapter of your professional development does not have to begin with another year of waiting.

The KZN Social Development Work Integrated Learning Programme 2026/2027 offers 36 qualifying TVET students the opportunity to pursue 18 months of paid workplace experience.

With a monthly stipend of R4,000 and placements across several KwaZulu-Natal offices, it is a relevant opportunity for students who meet the advertised requirements.

There is no guarantee that every applicant will be selected. There is also no guarantee of permanent employment after the programme.

What is certain is that an application submitted after the deadline cannot be considered under the published closing-date rule.

If you qualify, obtain your college WIL letter, confirm that you have your N6 Certificate, prepare your Z83 and supporting documents, and submit your application using the correct reference number.

Closing Date: 19 October 2026.

Apply through the official KwaZulu-Natal Provincial e-Recruitment Platform.

Frequently Asked Questions 

  1. How many WIL opportunities are available?

The Department is advertising 36 placements across four qualification streams, with nine placements allocated to each stream.

  1. How much is the stipend?

Successful participants will receive an advertised monthly stipend of R4,000.

  1. How long is the programme?

The Work Integrated Learning Programme runs for 18 months.

  1. Can I apply if I completed N6 but have not received my certificate?

The advertisement specifically requires the N6 Certificate and states that a statement of results is not sufficient.

Applicants should contact their college about outstanding certificates before the deadline.

  1. Can I apply if I live outside KwaZulu-Natal?

The advertisement requires applicants to reside within KwaZulu-Natal.

  1. Is previous work experience required?

The programme is intended to provide workplace experience to qualifying students. However, applicants must not have previously participated in a WIL programme in national, provincial or local government.

  1. Do I need a letter from my TVET College?

Yes. A letter from the learning institution confirming that you require WIL is mandatory.

  1. Is relocation compulsory?

Applicants must be prepared to relocate to an allocated office at their own expense.

  1. Can I apply online?

Yes. Applications may be submitted through the official Provincial e-Recruitment Platform.

Postal and hand-delivered applications are also accepted.

  1. Will I receive a National Diploma automatically?

No. The programme can provide relevant practical experience, but National Diploma completion remains subject to the applicable college and qualification requirements.

  1. When will applicants receive feedback?

Communication will be limited to selected candidates. Applicants who have not been contacted within three months of the closing date should regard their application as unsuccessful.

  1. When is the closing date?

Applications close on 19 October 2026.

You can also:

 

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Disclaimer

This Edupstairs Opportunity Explainer is based on the two-page KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development Work Integrated Learning Programme 2026/2027 advertisement supplied for this article, together with additional Edupstairs education and career research.

Applicants should independently verify the current availability of the programme, application requirements, placement areas and application procedures with the Department before submitting.

Edupstairs is not the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development or HWSETA. Edupstairs does not recruit, receive applications, shortlist candidates or guarantee workplace placements.

Never pay an individual who claims they can secure a government WIL placement or internship on your behalf.

Editorial Integrity

The programme’s 36 placements, four qualification streams, reference numbers, placement allocations, stipend, duration, eligibility conditions, documentation requirements, submission methods and deadline were extracted from the supplied departmental advertisement.

Additional career explanations, further-study recommendations, application tips and links to Edupstairs tools are independent editorial guidance.

Where the official advertisement does not specify a requirement, Edupstairs does not present assumptions as compulsory conditions.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

About the author

Sifiso Mhlongo

Sifiso Mhlongo is the Founder and Editor of Edupstairs, one of South Africa's leading online platforms for education, careers, and employment opportunities. Passionate about empowering young people, he is dedicated to making learnerships, internships, bursaries, graduate programmes, and job opportunities more accessible through clear, practical, and trustworthy content.

With a background in education and digital publishing, Sifiso leads Edupstairs' editorial strategy, ensuring every article is accurate, relevant, and designed to help South Africans make informed career decisions.
Contact: sifisomhlongo@edupstairs.org

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