There are DIFFERENT views among members of Parliament, on the EFF’s proposal to appoint a commission to deal with the annual problem of lack of study spaces in higher education institutions.
This group complains that large numbers of students who have passed the matric, end up going home because of the lack of spaces.
Mr. Sihle Lonzi, a member of the EFF, complained that more than 600,000 students passed the matric, but universities could only accept about 235,000.
He said that TVET colleges can only accept about 170,000.
“This means that there are about 200,000, who end up living at home without a place to study. Even in 2024, there are more than 200,000 students who did not find places to study. It is clear that in the last two years, there were close to 500,000 people living at home because they could not find places,” said Lonzi, when this proposal was debated in Parliament.
Mr. Mnqobi Msezane of the MKP, supported the EFF and said that those who pass the matric become untrustworthy every year.
“Some get them but there are problems that NSFAS doesn’t get them on time. That’s why we support the Parliament’s intervention in this problem which is clear that in the coming years, it will continue because those who are not planned to pass the matric.”
Mr. Sanele Zondo of the IFP, said that they do not agree with the commission not because there are no challenges but they want to increase the number of educational institutions.
“The technical education program is not being implemented and the problem of lack of classrooms and living spaces in educational institutions is not being addressed. There is a large volume of people who leave matric every year and go to higher education institutions. There is a lack of vacancies, so those who are looking for vacancies end up being turned away without finding them.”
Mr. Songezo Zibi of Rise Mzansi, said: “This problem will continue because every year the number of matric passers increases. That is why something needs to be done to stop this problem of them staying at home when they should be studying.”
Mr. Vuyo Zungula of ATM, echoed Lonzi’s words, and said that it is sad that every year there are people who sleep outside in institutions looking for places to study as well as a place to live.
“The government has failed to properly plan where those who have passed the matric will go. It must be decided how to fix this problem that has become common.”
Ms. Karabo Khakhau of the DA said that they do not agree with the commission of an investigation because they have solutions to this problem.
“Those in charge of the department should not be fired, including its MEC (Mr. Buti Manamela). Young people are languishing at home, not working, and there is a lack of places to study and live in educational institutions.”
The chairman of the committee, Mr. Tebogo Letsie of the ANC, rejected the EFF’s proposal and said that they should call a meeting when they want to know more about the plans to deal with this problem next year.
Manamela said there are things they are doing such as learning using technology and lamented the lack of money to add living and study spaces to institutions.