Prospective students brave long queues

MBOMBELA – Ms Thulisile Nyambi from Empakeni and Ms Nomvula Mlambo from Schoemansdal in Nkomazi are some of the parents who have vowed to sit through the whole registration process.

“I just want to make sure that my son (18) gets through to the registration process and starts working towards fulfilling his goal. He told me he wants to do electrical engineering and I encouraged him to go for it. This is also one of the many ways I plan to support him,” said Nyambi.

Mlambo echoed her sentiments and said she wants to encourage her son to get the education he desires.

“I also want to see the environment he will now be exposed to, I’d love to see some of his lecturers as well. I also understand that it would encourage him to see me here, I will wake up every morning and come here as long as the process is still pending.”

Although it seemed like the long queues were stagnant, Ehlanzeni TVET spokesperson, Mr Mxolisi Nzimande, insisted that there was progress and the pupils were getting the assistance they needed.

“We have a lot of applications for this year compared to the previous one. It could be because people are starting to realise our achievements and the quality we produce. It could also be because of our aggressive marketing.

“We went all out and the results are showing. We also have bursaries for students who perform well academically with an exception to those who are underprivileged. It covers everything from the tuition, transport and accommodation,” said Nzimande. He encouraged the hopefuls to consider their local campuses as priorities.

“We get a situation where pupils prefer the Mbombela campus, which is not all bad, but we have common couses and it would be better for them to take them from the comfort of their homes. Mapulaneng for Bushbuckridge, Matsulu, and Mlumati for Nkomazi.

“The registrations will last until Friday, but we will most probably be full by then,” added Mxolisi.