‘College incompetence’ frustrates students

Instead of being able to give of their best in the college’s integrated learning programme, uMfolozi TVET students say they are frustrated after four months of unpaid service.

In November, some 80 students were placed in various workplaces across the region after signing 12- and 18-month work-integrated learning (WIL) projects funded by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA).

However, having not received their contractual R3 500 monthly allowance, the students have become discouraged and uncertain as to where they will find money to commute to work.

One student said he had to vacate his rented accommodation near to where he works as the landlord had grown weary of his excuses regarding overdue rent.

He revealed that others have lost trust in him and that he could not obtain financial assistance even from his family, as they believe he is lying about being in the paid WIL programme.

“These are some of the situations that lead students to drop out in South Africa. The college has never properly communicated with us about why we have not been paid for such an extended period. I am despondent. We don’t know who to approach, as our placement officer has completely shut us out of all communications when we seek clarity on the matter,” said the student.

MQA CEO Dr Thabo Mashongoane, confirmed that uMfolozi TVET College is approved and allocated to enrol 80 learners for the 2024/25 financial year, confirming the programme had commenced in November.

“Administrative processes related to learners’ agreements contributed to the delay in stipend payments due to the high intake and the subsequent verification processes before payments could be processed,” said Mashongoane.

He shifted the blame to the college for delays in sending the confirmation of host employers for the students when they submitted their agreements, which further delayed the processing of the stipends.

“Learners’ agreements were received only in February. uMfolozi TVET is also participating in the previous financial year allocation, and tranche five was paid to them last week as all documents were received,” said Mashongoane.

He added that the monitoring and evaluation verification process was finalised on 27 February, and payments would be processed thereafter.

uMfolozi TVET College marketing manager Bhekani Ndlovu was unavailable for comment regarding the delays in submitting students’ documents to the MQA SETA for prompt stipend disbursements.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY