The South African Students Congress (SASCO) notes the announcements made in line with the adjusted Alert Level 4 regulations by the minister of Higher Education and Science. We note government’s decision to keep student residences open during this period to keep teaching and learning going through remote learning and curb the spread of the virus which occurred in 2020 when the department failed to heed the advice of students on keeping residences open.
SASCO wishes to register the following:
- Student residences in Universities and TVETs (those who have), should be strictly monitored and Covid 19 protocols must be observed so as to limit the spread of the virus.
- A comprehensive plan for TVET college students who by governments own admission do not have residences in their campuses or who are renting accommodation must be allowed to enter their campuses when necessary.
- Clear and safe isolation facilities must be identified and made available on campuses, as a proactive step to curb the spread of Covid 19.
- Living allowances for students must continue to be paid.
As we continue to support governments efforts in ensuring that lives are saved, SASCO remains committed and reiterates its call that NO STUDENT must be left behind. We will be closely monitoring institutions of higher learning to ensure that more so historically disadvantaged institutions are not left behind as was the case with the 2020 academic year which saw predominantly black institutions only recently concluded the academic project of the previous year.
SASCO working with SATVETSA will continue ensuring that College’s across the country submit the necessary information as required by NSFAS to ensure that all TVET students receive allowances and paid on time. TVETS are in desperate need of decent services at these campuses and equally effective and efficient management.
We wish to call on government and universities to ensure an increase on the speed of delivery of the gadgets to students especially the HDI’s. It is worrying that only (4) four institutions are said to be making progress on this question especially when (2) two of them are Historically Privileged Institutions. We wish to reiterate our position that student’s must be given their gadgets and not be subjected to choosing between money and gadgets, as some institutions are currently doing as we have already observed the 1-year anniversary of governments commitment to deliver these gadgets.
Issued by SASCO.
Bamanye Matiwane
President
Buthanani Thobela
Secretary-General
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