Mshiniwami students say they are exploited
Students were protesting outside the Mshiniwami Training Academy on Friday, 10 February.
SECUNDA – Students from Mshiniwami Training Academy vowed to cause instability at the institution until they get what they want.
They were protesting at the academy on Friday, 10 February over what they described as exploitation by the academy.
According to them, the institution is not serving the interest of the people, but are rather using state funds to promote Hydra-Arc.
Students alleged nobody has qualified since the academy was established.
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They said the memorandum of understanding between the provincial government and the institution was that the academy would train 5 000 students by 2019.
Mr Oscar Mohlahlulo, spokesman for the students, said Premier David Mabuza announced during the SOPA that the first intake was ready for placement, but since then nothing has happened.
He said they went to the Premier’s office, but the administrators ware rude to them.
“We are sick and tired of the exploitation.
“The time has come for the institution to be closed. They are undermining poor blacks.
“We are the first group here and we want to know of which group they spoke when they told Premier Mabuza the first intake was ready for placement.
“We think not even Sasol is aware that we are trainees, because they tell us when we get to the site we must say we are artisans.
“If that was the case, why are we not paid artisans’ salaries.”
The students said they want to cooperate with the institution, but they are not willing.
“They are only good in deploying the police and guards.
“Whenever we come for meetings, we are escourted by guards with dogs.
“We are calling on residents to join us in this fight.”
This was not the first time that the students have been protesting over their dissatisfaction with the academy.
Students said they know that whenever they engage in a protest, their contracts will be terminated.
They are now working on mobilising the community to join them in a mass action against the Mshiniwami Training Academy.
The academy failed to comment at time of going to the press.
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