Student safety and accommodation conditions where the key focus areas when Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim visited the University of Fort Hare's KuGompo City Campus.
The oversight visit addressed concerns raised by students through the Deputy Minister's Helpdesk.
The visit gave an opportunity for Deputy Minister Cassim to engage directly with students and university management about challenges affecting student accommodation and wellbeing. Discussions also focused on practical measures that can be implemented to address the concerns raised.
“The Deputy Minister’s delegated responsibilities include student accommodation and housing delivery in the PSET [Post-School Education and Training] sector, as well as student wellbeing and support, including student safety.
“These responsibilities require the Deputy Minister to engage directly with students where they study and live, assess the challenges they face and work with the university and relevant entities to agree on practical remedial actions and clear timeframes,” the Ministry of Higher Education and Training said.
Fort Hare Student Accommodation Concerns
Student safety and the conditions of accredited and leased student residences will be among the issues examined during the oversight visit.
The engagement is expected to provide an opportunity for students to raise concerns about their living conditions directly with government and university representatives.
The visit will also consider how the university and relevant stakeholders can work together to resolve identified challenges and establish clear timelines for addressing them.
DHET and NSFAS Officials to Join Visit
Officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training's University Education Branch and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) supported Deputy Minister Cassim during the visit.
The engagement in the Eastern Cape will include representatives from the University of Fort Hare's management, the Student Representative Council (SRC) and other relevant officials.
The oversight visit forms part of efforts to engage directly with students and higher education institutions on issues affecting student accommodation, safety and wellbeing.
