In its concerted effort to respond to alleged mismanagement of resources at the Potchefstroom Agricultural College, management of the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development led by MEC Boitumelo Tshwene, yesterday met with stakeholders comprising amongst others, the provincial Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and student representatives, to further deliberate on issues reported to be of great concern to the college students.
The department however wishes to openly regard as fractional, reports suggesting that the college management is dragging its feet in addressing especially, the condition in which students are staying under.
The department wishes to put on record the following:
- Admittedly so, the college structures are old and need to be refurbished.
- Having acknowledged this condition, the Department submitted a request for major renovations to the provincial Department of Public Works, and because implementation of this project is being done in phases, the following progress has thus far been registered :
- In July 2009, an Administration Block was revamped and handed over to the Department, renovated to the tune of R6.6 million
- In November 2010, Alexholm hall was completed and handed over in November 2010, with the renovation value of R7.6 million.
- A total of R18 million has been set aside to renovate the three hostels and research building, and the tendering process has begun. Project implementation will run for two consecutive financial years – 2011/12 to 2012/13.
- The Selborne and Castle building have been budgeted R14 million from the 2011/12 financial year.
MEC Tshwene has undertaken to engage his counterpart at the Department of Public Works, in his attempt to seek a better approach to speeding up the renovation process.
3. After identifying gaps on how the college kitchen was administered, the department decided to appoint an independent caterer, who started running the kitchen effective from October 2010. MEC Boitumelo Tshwene however undertook to ensure that Health Inspectors frequently visit the kitchen, as is regulatory, to address concerns raised by students.
4. Potchefstroom Agricultural College is a full bi-lingual Afrikaans and English medium institution. All study material, communiqués with students, question papers, lecturing powerpoint presentations, etc. are in both languages. We have employed highly trained and professional interpreters from the North West University (Potchestroom Campus) to render the interpretation service since 2007. The concern about one lecturer who is accused by students of not being competent is unfounded as the subject taught by the said lecturer has recorded a 90% pass rate (data available for verification).
5. The college management has on a number of occasions raised a concern regarding the continuous vandalism of some mechanisms like removal taps, shower heads, door handles, breaking of window panes, playing around with fire extinguishers, etc, by some students. The management is on an annual basis setting aside a certain amount that is used to repair such occurrences. This is done mostly when students are on recess, just like it has been done in January 2011. The department has decided to take corrective actions against this vandalism and plans are underway to implement this action.
MEC Boitumelo Tshwene accedes that it is his department’s responsibility to create an environment conducive for learning at the college, a responsibility he says cannot be compromised.
"We urge all stakeholders affected, including the parents of these students to understand the challenges we are encountering, and support us as we are gradually implementing lasting solutions to their concerns," stated MEC Tshwene.
Tshwene says it is significant for parents to also understand that the money paid for tuition and food, does not come to the college account as it has been questioned by some parents and stakeholders. “The money generated from the school fees goes directly to Treasury and is regarded as government revenue” explained MEC Tshwene.
Enquiries:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 389 5719
Cell: 082 901 2435
