Student registration ‘hell run’
uMfolozi FET College Richtech campus registration turns nasty.
A FLOOD of late applicants caused considerable disruptions during the uMfolozi FET College registration process this week.
Matters almost got out of hand at the Richtech campus in Richards Bay on Tuesday when locked-out students demanded entry to the institution.
A student stampede resulted in minor injuries as students shoved each other in long queues under the blazing sun.
Security officials had their hands full and attempts to break up the uncontrollable crowds failed.
‘The are only two desks for registration. A better system to deal with enrollment is needed. I arrived at 5am and still didn’t get help. They need to implement online registration, especially for second year students,’ said one student.
An elderly mother of uMzingazi, Precious Mhlongo, said she slept outside the gate on Monday night hoping to be assisted early on Tuesday.
‘I’m a domestic worker and has already taken two days off work. I thought if we slept here we would get help early, but now I have to come back for the third time,’ said Mhlongo.
A Richards Bay couple said they lost their personal belonging during the stampede.
‘We lost a watch, shoes and a bracelet,’ they said.
Late applications
With applicants and officials sitting on opposite sides of the fence, management referred to the annual ‘hell run’ as a government matter.
College Principal Sam Zungu said the mayhem was caused by late applicants.
‘Registration started in September last year. The problems are is caused by people who waited until the last minute to register. They must leave their particulars and will be accepted in the following semester.
‘There is nothing we can do as an institution, this is a government issue and it is difficult to control. The institution have limited space and it’s up to the MEC for Higher Education to build more campuses,’ said Zungu.
He said the construction of three more campuses was underway.
‘Two will be in Nkandla because that’s where most applicants come from. The third is in Jozini to accommodate students coming from uMkhanyakude. This will take pressure of the other campuses,’
Zungu also said a new South Korean programme is developed for distance courses and will assist students with online matters.
The situation was reportedly unchanged yesterday.
