The Portfolio Committee will be sitting this week to address the plethora of issues at the Limpopo College of Nursing. 

This after the challenges experienced at the Limpopo College of Nursing campuses were highlighted this past week.

According to DA Limpopo spokesperson for Health, Risham Maharaj, the nursing college has five campuses in the province, namely Giyani, Sovenga, Thohoyandou, Waterberg and Sekhukhune and all have common challenges which were not being addressed. Maharaj said the college’s campuses have not had an intake of new students in the 3-year and 4-year diploma programme since 2019 due to the department’s financial constraints. 

“This failure to enrol nursing students is despite a crippling nursing staff shortage in the province.”

In the Limpopo Department of Health’s reply to a DA question, they indicated vacancy rates of 60% among specialised registered nurses, 28.42% amongst registered nurses, 23.3% amongst enrolled nurses, 38.2% amongst enrolled nurses auxiliary and 41% amongst specialised nurses posts. 

He said a large number of vacant posts within the college also remains a great challenge. 

ALSO READ: Giyani authors promote Xitsonga culture in new books

“The college has a vacancy rate of 74% across core and support staff with only 257 posts filled out of 995 posts meaning 738 posts are vacant. The position of principal of the college has been vacant since 2013, while the vice principal posts for Sovenga and Thohoyandou have been vacant for over 6 years.” 

“There are another 16 Head of Discipline (HOD) posts that are vacant for periods ranging from 1 month to 5 years. “48 lecturer posts have also been left vacant for periods of up to 5 years. “It is clear that the mismanagement by the department has left a leadership vacuum in the college.” He also decried that there were no drivers on all college campuses and in most cases the campus managers improvised. “There is also a shortage of staff in finance, human resource, supply chain and procurement.” 

“In all the campuses more than 75% of the budget goes towards compensation of employees and that leaves no funds for goods and services as well as maintenance.

 “As a result, the libraries in the campuses are not well equipped and in addition, the campuses do not have well-functioning internet connectivity. The poor maintenance has also led to leaking pipes, broken windows, and unkempt surroundings.” 

Maharaj called on Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba and her department to address the vacant senior management posts and increase funding to the college in order to ensure its efficient operation.

 “The neglect and mismanagement of the college also threaten the academic future of nursing students in Limpopo.”