The Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO) in Mpumalanga will urgently escalate the concerns of enrolment processes across several Tvet Colleges to Higher Education Science and Technology Minister, Blade Nzimande.
This comes after reports that students at a number of campuses, including Mpondozankomo, Witbank, Middelburg, CN Mahlangu, and Watervalboven, were solicited for a R1500 bribe in exchange for enrolment. .
The DA gathered that student leaders from opposition parties and college officials are at the forefront of this mischievous scheme which has blocked qualifying students from registering at these campuses because of their financial inability.
According to reports, the fee guarantees one space regardless of their matric results. It also includes an accomplice who writes a placement test on behalf of the student.
As DASO Mpumalanga, we are taken aback by these allegations. This is an indication that our Tvet colleges in the province are run by a syndicate.
Complications with marks, leaking of question papers and NSFAS payment delays are what these institutions are known for. All these shortcomings have been ignored for far too long.
The state of our Tvet Colleges is deteriorating at the hands of leaders who are self-centred. This has negatively affected students who are serious about their education.
These institutions were introduced to provide the needed technical, and vocational education and training to students in terms of programmes at levels 2-4 on the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
Despite being regulated and accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and Sector Education & Training Authorities(SETAs) amongst others, the department still has a duty of ensuring that students are admitted and registered on merit.
DASO Mpumalanga will fight this corruption and make sure that students are allocated space based on merit. We condemn this unethical behaviour carried out by irresponsible administrators and leaders.
We will continue monitoring registrations at these campuses, students who encounter such challenges are encouraged to get in touch with our members.