The Democratic Alliance Students Organisation (DASO) in KwaZulu-Natal calls on the Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, to intervene in the Thekwini Springfield TVET College that has been left to deteriorate, compromising the quality of education and learning environment.

This follows our unannounced oversight visit to the college with the DA Shadow Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Baxolile Nodada MP and DASO eThekwini Councillor, Siboniso Sibisi.

The following issues were identified and will be followed-up on:

1. Shadow Deputy Baxolile Babongile Nodada will be taking up the fact that there is only one senior lecturer for all the engineering courses on campus in the Higher Education, Science and Technology Portfolio Committee.

2. DASO Councillor Siboniso Sibisi will be working with the DA councillor in the area to address the landfill site and illegal dumping which obstructs entry to the campus through the municipality.

3. We will take up the issue of student residences and safe student transport for the campus through a petition which will be presented to parliament.

4. We will drive the issues around security through proper access control with campus management.

5. The encroaching informal settlement which is threatening to spill over into the campus needs to be addressed and a way forward established.

6. Infrastructure maintenance and up-to-date equipment for practicals need to be addressed.

TVET Colleges have been allowed to fall by the way-side although they have a huge role to play in equipping young people with skills which will allow them entry into the job market.

Considering that in the first quarter of 2020, 59% of youth were unemployed in South Africa, ensuring that students receive a quality education and training should be one of the government's highest priorities.

Instead, TVETs have been left to deteriorate with little to no proper oversight and dedicated investment by government in these colleges.

The DA will continue to give voice to students studying at TVET Colleges. We will continue to fight for the future of young people in South Africa.

Issued by The DA