Three South African graduates who studied overseas are dissatisfied with the South African government for failing to cover the promised and necessary fees for their higher education, leaving them to deal with unforeseen circumstances.
Three South African medical students have filed complaints alleging that the Mpumalanga Department of Basic Education abandoned them in Russia and left them without employment in South Africa.
Due to charges of unpaid stipends, housing costs, and tuition fees, the students—who have remained anonymous—face expulsion from the Russian tertiary institution(s) they have studied at as well as possible eviction from their living arrangements.
On top of the unpaid fees, which were meant to be paid in a timely manner by the Mpumalanga Education Department, students that have graduated and returned after studying in Russia, have had little to no luck when it comes to securing a job in South Africa.
The Mpumalanga government sponsored a programme, which involved 38 students being sent to Astrakhan State Medical University in Russia to pursue studies in medicine.
The Department’s Spokesperson, Jasper Zwane, has confirmed that R28 million has been made available to help the stranded students in Russia, and has vowed to provide the necessary assistance.
The reason for the delay in payments, according to the Department, is due to the difficulties it has had in securing an agent to assist with making the payments for the students.
“There was an implementing agent that was contacted by the department to fast-track the payments, but their contract expired, and we couldn’t renew it because the Auditor-General had issues with the agent,” said Zwane.
The Department also added that medical students who have returned home will be assisted with registration fees required for the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
It is particularly upsetting to learn that trained medical professionals are not in employment, but Victor Khanyile of the South African Department of Health asserts that the HPCSA and the Mpumalanga Provincial government are in charge of ensuring that all medical professionals can work as doctors in South Africa.
The Mpumalanga administration has apologized for the careless handling of the circumstance and expressed hope that it will be promptly remedied.
“As things stand, They will receive assistance, and we can afford to give them the full amount, we are pledging and confirming here, added Zwane.
