Seshego students weren’t left stranded – Capricorn TVET management
The academic programme at the Capricorn TVET College: Seshego campus was temporarily suspended after protest action over NSFAS issues.
POLOKWANE – The Capricorn TVET College: Seshego campus has disputed that its students were stranded and that they did not have money to go home.
The statement posted on the institution’s Facebook page follows a video on social media on Wednesday in which a group of students plea with the public for funds to go home after they were told to vacate the premises by management.
The video, which is narrated by student activist Beef Nkoana, shows students stranded outside campus with their luggage and other belongings.
Teaching and learning was temporarily suspended after last week’s protest action by students continued this week over dissatisfaction with outstanding National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) balances.
They are also protesting over a new regulation from the scheme that changes standardised funding on mainly transport and accommodation allowances.
The document states NSFAS now requires proven lease agreements, among others, to disburse varying funds in line with the amount paid to each student.
“For example, if a student pays R700 at her rented accommodation, they have to produce proof to the scheme and receive that amount. A different amount will apply to the next student depending on how much they pay. The same also applies to transport costs,” college spokesperson, Madire Mashabela explained.
Campus management said the videos included false information that damaged the reputation of the institution.
“Hostel-based students were requested to vacate both Polokwane and Seshego campuses by 10:00 on Wednesday (March 13) and by that time over 90% of students were already out and none reported any challenges to Campus Management and recognised student leadership,” their statement read.
By Thursday, the 27 stranded students were either home or housed safely in the community by residents who took them in until alternative arrangements could be made.
Donors are said to have given amounts ranging between R50 and R500 for travelling expenses.
