Mfundo Cele
SASCO Member
Umfolozi TVET College ( CAL )
21/02/2025
Response to SASCO Complaint – Addressing Grass Cutting, Textbook Distribution, and
Residence Concerns
Dear SASCO leadership
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally address concerns raised in the
recent SASCO letter of complaint regarding various issues affecting students at our
campus. These include general workers, grass cutting, textbook distribution, and
student accommodation. We acknowledge these challenges and would like to provide
an update on the steps being taken to resolve them.
General Workers and Campus Maintenance
At the start of this year, the campus faced difficulties with maintenance and cleaning
due to a transition in how general workers were employed. Previously, these workers
were outsourced, but due to ongoing performance issues, the college decided to
insource them. While this was a necessary change, it caused delays, as the new
workers only began their duties in mid-February. This affected campus cleanliness,
including grass cutting.
Grass Cutting Equipment Delays
With the general workers now in place, the next challenge is acquiring grass-cutting
equipment. Due to financial constraints, the procurement process has been delayed.
However, management is aware of this and is working on securing the necessary
machines. We appreciate the patience of students and staff as this matter is being
addressed.
Textbook Distribution and Student Concerns
The distribution of textbooks has been affected by delays in funding from the student
financial aid provider. To manage this issue, students were encouraged to return their
textbooks from the previous year so that new students could have access to learning
materials. While this was a practical solution, we acknowledge that the way it was
implemented may have felt forceful to some students, as they were told they would not
receive new books unless they returned the old ones. This approach was not intended
to cause frustration but rather to ensure fair distribution in light of the funding delays.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
It Is important to note that this textbook shortage is not unique to our campus but affects
all Umfolozi College campuses. However, thanks to the cooperation of our
students, Chief Albert Luthuli Campus has managed this situation better than
most. We truly appreciate the students’ willingness to contribute to the
solution.
Student Residences and Overcrowding
We are also aware of concerns regarding overcrowding in student residences,
particularly at the White House residence, where some students are currently
living in groups of three or four per room. The owner of the residence has
assured us that, as soon as he receives the first NSFAS payment, he will
convert the existing study room into an additional bedroom. This will allow
for a redistribution of students, reducing the number of occupants per room
to either two or three. Additionally, he has committed to purchasing and
installing a wooden structure at the residence, which will serve as a
dedicated study room. These changes aim to improve living conditions and
create a better study environment for students.
We understand that these issues have created difficulties for students, and
we want to assure you that management is actively working on solutions.
While financial constraints may slow down some processes, efforts are being
made to ensure that necessary resources and improvements are
implemented as soon as possible. We appreciate the patience, cooperation,
and understanding of students as we work through these challenges
together.
If there are any further concerns or if clarification is needed, please do not
hesitate to reach out.
Sincererly
BK Zungu
SRC Interim Treasurer
