Fact-finding visit to college proves fruitful
Chief Sazi Ndwalane said he had been informed that one of the challenges at the campus was the state of the old classrooms, noting that this could pose a danger to both students and lecturers.
The issue of subject courses not being in line with the needs of the economy was one of the more pressing matters brought to the table at a fact-finding mission undertaken by the KwaNdwalane Traditional Authority chief, Sazi Ndwalane and his Indunas at the Nyenyezi campus of the Esayidi Tvet College in Bhobhoyi recently.
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During his visit, Chief Ndwalane was afforded an overview of the courses offered and the current challenges facing the campus by college management.
Campus manager, Johnny Rajoo, said the campus was based in a rural area was part of the Esayidi Tvet College network offering a wide range of courses.
Community leader, Welcome Mngqosini said a pressing concern that had been resolved was that the college had in the past enrolled too many students from outside KZN, resulting in local students being turned away.
“Strike action loomed until we as a community intervened and negotiated with management,” he said.
“It was agreed that going forward, a certain percentage of the student intake would be reserved for locals and that the rest would be for students outside the province.”
Chief Ndwalane said he had been informed that one of the challenges at the campus was the poor condition of the old classrooms, noting that this could pose a danger to both students and lecturers.
“I will organise a meeting with the minister of Higher Education, Dr Blade Nzimande and propose that a budget be allocated for the rebuilding of the campus. We need to build upwards as we do not have more land available to build outwards.”
The chief also undertook to form an education steering committee.
He said community members had complained that some of the courses taught did not enable graduates to find jobs or help them start their own businesses.
“These courses are not aligned to the needs of our economy or job market, making them useless. We need the intervention of the minister to change this so that our graduates can obtain skills that are required by employers.”
Lungi Khumalo of Esayidi Tvet College said staff and management appreciated the visit.
“We encourage the participation of community leaders in the education of their children as they can communicate with those in senior positions when things need to be changed,” she said.
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