Ladies and gentlemen of the media
The department has been in conversation with students of Mmabatho College of Nursing on several issues affecting both parties. Despite assurances and commitment by the department students refuse to attend classes.
The department has swiftly attended to their concerns:
Uniform provision versus uniform allowance
It was clearly stated to students that they will not be paid any uniform allowance. The department will provide students with uniform inclusive of the packs that students did not receive previously.
Retrospective payment (housing allowance)
Home allowance to all deserving students have been paid and backdated to 1 April 2009 as per recommendations of a task team commissioned by me. The task team included some of their representatives.
The payment of this allowance from 1 April 2010 was a compromise following the earlier decision that it be paid from November 2009 and onwards.
Maintenance of all campuses
The department has conducted inspections of all facilities utilised by the colleges. Non-compliance matters relating to privately owned facilities are being attended to with the respective landlords.
The contract for the renovation of George Stegman Satelite Centre has been concluded. The contractor will soon move on site.
Refund boarding and lodging
The department has to date refunded 75 students of their December boarding and lodging money. We will continue to process the claims for the remaining 27 students.
Students' non-attendance of classes and continued stay at the college despite concerns being attended to is costing the department greatly; hence my decision to temporarily close doors at the college.
The college will remain closed while the department continues to engage student leadership. Students have been advised to vacate the college not later than 17h00 today. They will also forfeit their monthly allowance.
I made attempts to speak to the learners and their Learner Representative Council (LRC) this morning and they refused as well.
I thank you!
Enquiries can be directed to:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958
