Order has been restored at the Central Johannesburg College’s Alex campus after authorities responded to hair care and cosmetology students’ demands for improvements in management.
The students actions conducted peacefully and supported by the ANC Youth League blocked entry to the campus two weeks ago and were broken up by police teargas and some arrested but released by the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court.
Speaking anonymously, a source close to management said the college and campus authorities took genuine steps to address the demands and outlined a remedial plan for the students, league members and parents. “It includes the delivery of stationary and equipment, laying a charge of financial irregularity against a staff member, attending to human resources-related issues, regularising qualifications with appropriate authorities and scheduling further meetings to resolve the school fees structure.”
Susan Banda, member of the Students Representative Council, said management’s positive steps helped to avoid further action by the students. “They have delivered textbooks and equipment such as driers, chairs, kits and more text books for the cosmetology unit are still to be supplied. They also involved the Department of Higher Education and Training in the matter.”
Banda said a case for financial irregularity has been laid against a lecturer who allegedly charged students R12 000 for the equipment instead of R5 000 as currently charged by the campus. The lecturer is said to have opened a hair salon in her home province [Kwazulu-Natal] which the students found out through Facebook after she had resigned. “Students have been encouraged to also lay separate charges of financial irregularity against her with further evidence of impropriety.”
She said the college’s human resources department was also investigating the alleged mismanagement of the department by its head.
Banda added that college was engaging the relevant Sector Education and Training Authority [Seta] and City and Guilds to regularise the qualifications to support students when looking for jobs. “It’s all work in progress and we expect management to also ensure that previous students’ qualifications are regularised.” she concluded.
Details: Students Representative Council; 072 413 5583.
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