Protests disrupt college operations in eSikhaleni
They said some level four students in various courses were not allowed to enrol for N3 and N1 courses
PANDEMONIUM ruled at the uMfolozi TVET College campus in eSikhaleni last Thursday morning when angry students took their grievances to the streets.
The mass protest saw all operations grinding to a halt when students barricaded roads and demanded answers from management over various issues.
Students wanted clarification of pending results from last year, saying the matter is preventing them from registering this year.
They said some level four students in various courses were not allowed to enrol for N3 and N1 courses.
During a protest march they handed over a memorandum with a list of their concerns to management.
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‘We were also informed the Student Representation Council (SRC) has been disbanded and is not recognised by the institution, but we don’t understand the reasons,’ said one of the protesters.
Even though no one was injured or arrested during the upheaval, students displayed their fury by blocking the township’s roads, which severely disrupted traffic.
Police, including the Public Order Police (POP), were called to calm the situation.
They managed to disperse the crowd and no injuries or arrests were made, however police warned students to adhere to the rules during protests.
‘Blocking roads is unlawful. This is unacceptable and those who continue to engage in unlawful actions will face the law,’ said King Cetshwayo Cluster Police spokesperson, Capt Mbongeni Mdlalose.
Setting the record straight
According to the college’s Communications Manager Bhekani Ndlovu, students who had failed two or more subjects in their levels and had to write supplementary examinations may not be allowed to register for level 4.
‘College regulations clearly state that only if a student has one outstanding supplementary exam, is he allowed to register for the next level.
‘Pending results are dealt with in the same manner at all other 50 colleges across South Africa.
‘When it comes to the SRC, the rules state that when a SRC member fails, he or she cannot continue holding a position within the council.
‘SRC members say they were elected by students, but they don’t understand the policies and regulations.
‘The rules state when a SRC member fails, he or she must vacate their position with immediate effect because they now don’t qualify. This is part of our policy’ said Ndlovu.
Reports suggested all operations were back to normal by Monday morning.
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