WHILE students have started registering at TVET colleges, some are worried that they might be forced to drop out.
This comes after returning students at the Capricorn TVET College in Seshego outside Polokwane, Limpopo, were told that they have to pay the 30% tuition fees they owe to the college.
Some of the students told Daily Sun that they are requested to pay 30% of the fees they owe to the college for them to register for the 2024 academic year.
They were allegedly told to pay the outstanding fees that are owed by Nsfas.
"We are surprised because students never got their allowances. They never did follow-ups on their allowances, but they want us to pay 30% of the amount that Nsfas owe," said Lorraine Maja (23).
Other students said they owe over R25 000, and if they fail to pay, it means they won't be able to register and will have to drop out.
Jacob Letsoalo (22) said they are concerned about those who come from low-income families.
"We have students who come from low-income families and won't be able to pay the money. How do they think they will get the money from because most parents are unemployed," he said.
Some of the gatvol students said if the college management doesn't meet them halfway, they will have no choice but to protest.
ALSO READ: Accused in Senzo Meyiwa murder trial sentenced!
"We will respond by taking this to the streets. The college is rejecting students, and we will never allow this to happen. We demand college officials to open doors for engagements to see how we can resolve this matter," said a student.
They said they would never allow the college to neglect poor students' access to education because of their backgrounds.
Capricorn TVET College spokesman Madire Mashabela said no student is turned away because of inability to pay.
He said the college has a backlog of previous years' historical debts from students who failed to meet Nsfas funding requirements.
"Such students went through the negotiation processes accompanied by parents and guardians each academic year. They sign a payment commitment form and commit to paying in instalments. However, they don't make any payment as committed," he said.
Madire said each case is treated on its merit in consultation with a parent/guardian.
