Classes halted during strike

ACORNHOEK – Classes have been suspended at the Mapulaneng Campus of Ehlanzeni FET College following a student protest which erupted early on Tuesday.

The students demanded that the college be closed until their grievances were met. They accused management of corruption and barricaded the gate, preventing tutors and fellow students from entering the premises. Police officials had to be called to the scene. Mfundo Ntuli was the only student detained – he appeared in the local Magistrate’s Court and was released on R500 bail the following morning.

They demanded that the campus manager be removed from her position, alleging that she wasn’t performing her duties. Other demands included a residential area within the college; the establishment of a library; student cards as well as financial support as, according to them, it didn’t provide bursaries as required by government.

Spokesman for the college, Mr Mxolisi Nzimande, said these protests usually occurred as exams approached and were nothing new.

“It always revolves around one student who has studied at the college for the past four years. “As soon as we enter exams, he encourages fellow students to join him in a protest.

“He should have completed his studies a long time ago, but instead of focusing on writing exams, he forms a group, which generates distraction within the campus,” he explained.

Nzimande admitted that the college’s residential area was not yet suitable for students, but that the issue was in the process of being resolved.

“They are using private accommo-dation and the college pays for their transport,” he added.

Classes are still suspended and students wait for management to declare their fate.