WATCH: uMfolozi TVET College’s eSikhaleni campus closed amid non-payment issues

Umfolozi TVET College students on Thursday took to the streets and closed the eSikhaleni campus, demanding answers to various issues.

These include poor living conditions for off-campus residents.

According to SRC chairperson Mondli Zungu, this emanates from the non-payment of service providers by the college and has subsequently affected the academic performance of students.

“We are very frustrated. The situation here is dire. We are living in the bush; we have been informed that as of tomorrow, the kitchen which provides meals for on-campus resident students is closing because they too have not been paid. No more food, we are hungry,” said a frustrated Zungu.

Zungu further revealed that their meeting with campus management bore no fruit as they were told the situation was beyond their control, as payments were made by the central office in Richards Bay.

Forming part of the students’ memorandum of grievances at the eSikhaleni campus are textbook shortages, academic support plan, follow-up on blocked students, NSFAS payment system plan, and an update on the payments of service providers.

Moreover, Zungu said should their grievances not be met, they would suspend teaching and learning from tomorrow (Friday).

Speaking to the Zululand Observer, uMfolozi TVET College marketing manager Bhekani Ndlovu confirmed the closure of the campus and said the CFO was on his way to meet NSFAS regarding the kitchen issue at the eSikhaleni campus.

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