Students not happy with Mshiniwami Training Academy

SECUNDA – Disgruntled students of Mshiniwami Training Academy were not pleased with the industrial action agreement that they were allegedly forced to sign before they could be accepted back at the academy.

This came after they had several meetings with the academy’s management in an attempt to come up with an amicable solution after the students’ protest.

The protest began on Wednesday, 12 September after students were told they would not receive certificates, but statements for their results.

The students said their signed contracts stated that they would be given certificates.

A student who wanted to remain anonymous out of fear for her safety, said:

“Even the validity of statements of the results is questionable. How can a statement be without code of arms, no serial number, or an accreditation number?

“This is nothing but paper that will not help anyone.

“Students were suspended for taking this matter further and asked management why the students were suspended, but they could not give an answer.

“There are too many problems at this institution, but no one is willing to intervene and help us.”

The students said the industrial action agreement was forced on them and they were told that if they did not sign, they were not allowed to enter the premises.

In the agreement, students had to commit themselves to peace and non-violence and not to engage in any unprotected strike or an illegal industrial action.

They had to sign that they would not receive certificates on completion of a skills programme, but would only receive a statement with the results.

Should they have any concerns, they must approach the available structures and procedures, such as the learners’ forum, the grievance procedure and CCMA.

“We were told that if we did not sign the agreement, that we might be dismissed.”

The students also raised concerns over alleged corruption at the academy.

They alleged that some students are forced to pay bribes of R3 000 to be admitted.

They also said the living conditions at the camp are horrible and that the food is not good.

According to the students, the institution is not serving the interest of the people and is using state funds to promote Hydra-Arc.

It was not the first time that the students had protested at the academy.

They are now working on mobilising the community to join them in a mass action against the Mshiniwami Training Academy.

They called on political parties and parents to intervene and to help them from being exploited.

At the time of going to press, Mshiniwami Training Academy did not comment.

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