College sets the record straight
KwaThema – Primary healthcare students at the Ekurhuleni East TVET College in KwaThema voiced their grievances and disappointment, allegedly claiming they were misled by the college about the qualification they have enrolled in, saying it is useless and not recognised by the healthcare industry.
Students picketed inside the school premises singing struggle songs, demanding answers from the school principal and heads of departments.
“This qualification is not recognised anywhere, we cannot further our studies in the health field like they promised us when we first enrolled.
“We don’t get practical training; all we get to do is go to old age homes and clean their windows as a form of practicals,” say the students.
According to the college principal, Happy Sibande, the qualification which was introduced at the college in 2013 is approved by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) and Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA).
Sibande explains the misunderstanding as a confusion of qualifications saying that students are confusing primary health with primary health care.
“Our learners are doing a National Certificate (Vocational) in primary health, which takes three years to complete.
“The qualification was introduced so community members who have the passion to work with senior citizens, NGOs and community-orientated programmes may also have a certificate that can provide access to other professional programmes,” she says.
She points out that the panic might have been triggered by a recent scandal about an FET college in Mpumalanga that was offering the same course which wasn’t registered.
Sibande rubbishes allegations that students tend to the garden as a form of practical work
Students say they will not attend classes until they have the Department of Health come to the college and explain exactly what it is they are studying towards.
“We have provided career orientation to our students right from the beginning and we continue to do so.
“I advise students to go back to class as normal and we as a college will try our best to engage with the relevant departments and companies so doors are opened for our learners,” adds Sibande.
