Frustrated students of Ehlanzeni TVET College Mapulaneng Campus in Acornhoek recently embarked on protest action to highlight issues such as a shortage of study materials, scarce water supply, and a hike in registration fees for 2026.

The campus was on lockdown last week as lectures and operations were set to commence for the first semester of the 2026 academic year.

On the morning of February 5, tyres were set alight at the main entrance, blockading management from accessing the campus. Demonstrations over similar issues have occurred over the last few years.

A student, who wished to remain anonymous, said the campus faces recurring issues every year.

“Challenges sometimes make us doubt if it is worth furthering our studies here, but for some of us this is our only choice of a higher education institution to study at. We face the same issues every year – the lack of textbooks and toilets are not in a good condition. There is no water,” she said.

Ehlanzeni TVET College spokesperson Mxolisi Nzimande said all registered students at the Mapulaneng Campus have received their study materials.

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“The campus is currently conducting an audit to confirm whether there are any shortages. Should the audit identify any shortages, additional materials will be sourced from the central office in line with standard college procedures,” he said.

Responding to the lack of water supply, Nzimande said the broader Acornhoek area has been experiencing intermittent water supply disruptions. The reticulation system, managed by the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport linked to the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality supply, that the campus relies on, has been unreliable.

“To mitigate the situation, the college has implemented alternative measures, including boreholes and water storage tankers. Longer-term interventions are also under review to ensure sustainable and reliable water availability on campus.”

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Nzimande stated that there has been no unapproved increase in registration fees. “Registration fees are highly regulated. Institutions approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training and the College Council are not permitted to deviate from the approved structure.”

He said nearly 100% of students at the Mapulaneng Campus are funded through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and Sector Education and Training Authority as bursaries, which cover tuition and related study costs.

He further condemned acts of vandalism to campus infrastructure.