Picture: Students embark on protest over registration at Vuselela FET College

By OBAKENG MAJE

The situation has returned to normal at Vuselela FET College in Pudimoe campus. This comes after the student representatives and the college reached an agreement. On Monday, the students embarked on protest and barricaded the entrance of the campus with burning tyres and shrubs demanding that the campus manager, Thamsanqa Mawele addressed their challenges before returning to class.

It is alleged that, the college demanded that students who were owing, should atleast settle their debts before being allowed to register. One of the student representatives (non-affiliated), Oratile Matsitle said they had a consultative engagement with the college management, but representatives from South African Students Congress (SASCO), budged out of the meeting.

“We had a good and progressive meeting with the college management and we have reached an agreement that the demand of the students will be addressed. The demand was that all students who owe the college must go and collect the agreement forms to individually commit themselves how they will pay the outstanding fee.

“However, SASCO leadership walked out of the meeting and alleged that they will continue with the protest. We kindly advise all students, who owe the college to go and take an agreement form as soon as possible so that they can arrange with management how they will pay their fee, as we have collectively agreed in the meeting,” he said.

The SASCO regional treasurer in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Phemelo Sedimo said: “We had a productive engagement with the campus manager, Thamsanqa Mawele. We have reached an agreement that students will be registered and return to their respective classes. So, we welcome the agreement.”   

Meanwhile, Mawele said some students were denied access into the campus because they do not have Proof of Payment for registration. He said this is the monitoring system they use to ensure that there is law and order.

“Those who cannot produce Proof of Payment were supposed to come to me and say they have a challenge. So, I was surprised to see students embarking on a protest and blocking the gates. Some students were denied access and I think if there are any challenges, the SRC leadership should come to me,” said Mawele.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: Taung Dam experiencing decline on water level

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Department of Water and Sanitation said the water levels across North West Dams have slightly dropped from last week’s 79.0% to 79.1% this week. The department spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said, the scorching temperatures observed in certain parts of the province is the reason for this modest decline in the water storage.

“Ngotwane Dam fell from 42.6% to 42.1%, while Disaneng Dam slightly dipped from 92.5% to 91.9% this week. Additionally, Setumo Dam moved down from last week’s 104.7% to 103.7% this week.

“This week, Roodekopjes Dam experienced a plunge, going from 90.2% to 87.9%, while Buffelspoort Dam has recorded a slight decline going from 100.6% to 100,4%. Pella Dam has also experienced a notable decline from 52.8 % to 52.0% and Klipvoor Dam has dropped from last week’s 100.7% to 99.6%,” he said.

He further said Molatedi Dam in Zeerust, has decreased from 45.9% to 45.3%. Mavasa added that Lindleyspoort Dam has also experienced a decline descending from 67.4% to 67.1%.

“Marico-Bosveld Dam saw a slight drop, going from 76.6% to 75.7%. Taung Dam, which supplies water to Taung and the surrounding regions, has similarly decreased in dam levels going from 91.1% to 91.0% this week.

“Bospoort Dam has noted an increase this week moving from 101.9% to 102.2% this week. The levels of the Madikwe Dam have also seen an increase from 40.4 % to 42.2%. Vaalkop Dam had a notable increase as well, moving up from 88.5% to 90.9%,” said Mavasa.

He said Olifantsnek Dam has noted no changes this week and is sitting at 84,2%. Mavasa said the department urges communities to utilise water sparingly as most dams have recorded a decline this week.

The members of the community are encouraged to report water leaks and unlawful connections. Damaging water infrastructure should also be reported to the forums that have been established by the department in the communities,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com