KABOKWENI – Students at the Mpumalanga College of Nursing in Kabokweni, Mbombela, have shut down college operations yesterday, May 7, to protest several challenges they have been facing.
This follows the Students Representative Council’s (SRC) failed attempts to address the issues with management internally. Despite their efforts, their concerns were allegedly ignored, leaving them with no choice but to initiate a total shutdown.
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“We’ve tried engaging with management, but our concerns have fallen on deaf ears,” said SRC Chairperson Lisakhanya Binase. “The relationship between the SRC and management is broken, with management consistently ignoring our correspondence. Thus, we have submitted a memorandum to the Department of Health, calling on the MEC, HOD, and other stakeholders to intervene and repair the relationship. Enough is enough; we are demanding change, and we’re willing to take drastic measures to ensure our voices are heard.”
Students echoed the SRC’s sentiments, citing the lack of study materials, infrastructure issues, and non-payment of April 2025 stipends as major concerns. “It’s unacceptable that we’re still without textbooks and Wi-Fi access,” said student Nsovo Nkuna. “How are we expected to succeed without the necessary resources?”
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Nozi Makgabutlane, class representative for the 2025 intake, added, “The stipend issue is a major problem. We’ve been without our April allowance, and it’s affecting our ability to focus on our studies.”
However, the Department of Health spokesperson, Dumisane Malamule addressed the concerns stating. “The Department is aware of the challenges at the Nursing College and is taking steps to address them. Textbooks, study materials, and gadgets have been procured. Wi-Fi installation is underway, with the service provider being engaged. Regarding the stipend issue, the students didn’t receive it due to an upgrade of the Persal system. However, we’re working on capturing their details to facilitate the payments soon.”
The shutdown has brought attention to the plight of nursing students, highlighting the need for urgent intervention to address the challenges they are facing.
