Thekwini College protests taking a toll on student learning

A STUDENT at Centec College in Durban says her studies are being negatively affected by the protests currently being held at the Thekwini College campuses.

The student, who asked not to be named, said that while she understood the reasons for the student protests, the strikes had meant that she had only had been able to attend college lectures for five weeks this year. She is currently studying towards a financial management diploma.

“The students who are only writing exams at the end of the year are causing trouble for those who have to write now. They can still catch up, but myself and others are suffering.

“If they want to strike it’s their prerogative, but it is unfair. The students can’t expect the government to pay for everything, I had to work to save up to pay for my studies and now I won’t be prepared for my exams as the syllabus hasn’t been completed,” she said.

She said students had been on strike from January to the middle of February, and time hadn’t been made up.

“For my computerised financial systems module, we can’t miss a class, it is the hardest subject and the most important. We weren’t even able to go for extra lessons on a Saturday as the protesting students wouldn’t let us in. They control the situation,” she said.

The student said she had been so excited about starting college this year, but that the strikes had taken the life out of her.

“This is the only place I can get a financial management diploma as I want to do a BComm, it is very disappointing,” she said.

There was high drama on Monday when registration was meant to take place at the college.

“Things are hectic at Thekwini Colleges at the moment. The situation is out of control,” said an Asherville campus student.

Khaye Nkanyana from the Department of Higher Education and Training, said the department was working on the matter and some senior officials were dealing with the problem.