Students at Potchefstroom College of Agriculture embarked on a protest action from the early hours of Monday morning, June 1, over what they describe as a funding crisis, deteriorating infrastructure and unacceptable living conditions at the institution.

The protest, led by the Student Representative Council (SRC), began at around 05:00 and follows what students say were repeated but unsuccessful attempts to engage college management on a range of urgent issues.

In a formal memorandum addressed to management, the SRC cited concerns over uncertainty surrounding National Skills Fund (NSF) bursary funding, poor communication from the institution, and the worsening condition of student residences and facilities.

According to the memorandum, students were informed during a meeting with Principal Dr. Mabe on May 28 that the NSF had not yet approved the college’s bursary proposal and that the likelihood of approval was low.

The SRC argued that students and their families should have been informed earlier to allow them time to make alternative financial arrangements ahead of second semester registration.

Keotshepile Phetwe, a first-year student, said financial difficulties were only one part of the problem facing students.

“Besides the obvious financial and bursary struggles, we are also dealing with severe living conditions,” said Phetwe.

“More often than not, we do not have water or electricity. The sanitation in the hostels is also not up to standard. We have lodged many queries and complaints, but we never receive feedback regarding our living conditions.”

SRC president Olothando Matiti said students had reached a point where they felt they had no choice but to take action.

“It is my responsibility to get answers for students,” said Matiti.

“I had a meeting with the principal last week, but it was not fruitful. Around 80% of our students are struggling with funding. Some students are going for days without eating.”

Matiti also raised concerns over a directive requiring students to remove their furniture from residences during the June recess.

“Students are expected to take all their furniture home during the June break. That will create additional costs for students and their families. Most of our students come from underprivileged backgrounds and simply cannot afford that.”

The SRC further highlighted concerns about the condition of residences, sports facilities and student parking areas, saying the institution had received no maintenance budget allocation for the current financial year.

While acknowledging an emergency allocation of R300 000 for urgent repairs at student residences, including a burst geyser, the SRC said the amount was insufficient to address the broader infrastructure challenges facing the college.

The protest drew the attention of North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, who arrived at the college at approximately 10:00 to address students directly.

Speaking to students, Sambatha assured them that no student would be prevented from registering without proper intervention from his office.

“I will not allow anyone the power to refuse students registration without an explanation, and even then, I will not allow it,” said Sambatha.

Addressing concerns over outstanding bursary funding, the MEC said he would personally engage with the NSF regarding affected students.

“I will obtain a list of the students and make sure that the National Skills Fund looks into the outstanding funding matters,” he said.

Sambatha further reassured students that they would be allowed to return for the next semester while efforts to resolve the funding issues continue.

The MEC also expressed concern over reports that some students were going hungry.

“It is unacceptable that students are going without food,” he said.

“I will obtain a list of students who need assistance with food. Poverty does not have a face.”

He also committed to investigating complaints relating to unsafe and unsanitary living conditions at the institution.

The SRC has called for direct engagement with National Skills Fund officials, written confirmation on the status of the bursary application process and guarantees that no student will be academically excluded while awaiting a decision on funding.

At the time of publication, students remained on campus awaiting further engagement with authorities regarding their demands.

The Herald will add comment from the National Skills Fund once comment is received.

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