Three South African medical students have made complaints after claiming that they were left stranded in Russia and jobless in South Africa by Mpumalanga's Department of Basic Education.
The students, who have remained anonymous, are facing expulsion from the Russian tertiary institution/s they've studied at, as well as potentially being evicted from their living arrangements, due to the allegations of unpaid stipends, accommodation and tuition fees.
The student's complaints, accusing the South African government of neglecting them, were heard after they reached out to the media.
On top of the unpaid fees, which were meant to be paid in a timely manner by the Mpumalanga Education Department, students that have graduated and returned after studying in Russia, have had little to no luck when it comes to securing a job in South Africa.
The Mpumalanga government sponsored a programme, which involved 38 students being sent to Astrakhan State Medical University in Russia to pursue studies in medicine.
The Department's Spokesperson, Jasper Zwane, has confirmed that R28 million has been made available to help the stranded students in Russia, and has vowed to provide the necessary assistance.
The reason for the delay in payments, according to the Department, is due to the difficulties it has had in securing an agent to assist with making the payments for the students.
"There was an implementing agent that was contacted by the department to fast track the payments, but their contract expired, and we couldn’t renew it because the Auditor-General had issues with the agent," said Zwane.
The Department also added that medical students who have returned home will be assisted with registration fees required for the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Victor Khanyile, from South Africa's Department of Health, says it is particularly distressing to hear that qualified health professionals are not employed, but says that the Mpumalanga Provincial government (along with the HPCSA) are the ones responsible for ensuring that all health professionals are able to practice as doctors in South Africa.
The Mpumalanga government has expressed its regret in the poor handling of the situation, and hopes that the matter can quickly be resolved.
"As things stand, we are making a commitment and confirmation here that they will be assisted, and we will be able to pay them a full amount," said Zwane.
