A number of allegations have been leveled against a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in KwaZulu-Natal. A teacher union in the province has called for an investigation to take place and for the head of the institution to be dealt with accordingly.
Following the disruption of classes at the Coastal Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in KwaZulu-Natal, it is said that the college’s students and catering employees were locked out by the security guards.
It has been alleged that this occurred due to security guards who hadn’t received their wages for the month of July.
In a statement, South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) provincial secretary, Nomarashiya Caluza, said:
The College, which used to have reserves, is now bankrupt to the extent that some workers remain unpaid.
The union has also shared that it is disturbed by the deliberate collapse of the TVET College.
SADTU has called for the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to launch an investigation, but the union has called for the removal of the Principal so that another person is appointed to take over the position.
It is said that under the administration of the current Principal, there haven’t been any improvements at the institution other than management lining up their pockets at the expense of students and staff.
According to Caluza, the condition of some of the institution’s buildings is now a threat to the lives of staff members and students.
Caluza said the union has requested an urgent meeting with DHET Director General so that the current state of Coastal TVET College is resolved.
DHET’s spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi said as a department, they are still finalizing the consultations regarding the matter and will then publicly communicate the outcome thereof.