Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Buti Manamela briefed the media on the situation at the Polokwane campus of Capricorn TVET college in Limpopo.
A stampede broke out when the students were queueing for admission for the 2018 academic year at the campus, leaving several students injured.
College principal Amos Tema informed the Deputy Minister that the situation has now stabilised.
Following a thorough risk assessment of the Polokwane campus facilities, a decision has been taken by college management to suspend registration at the institution until Monday.
“We appeal to all prospective students to ensure that they have all the necessary documents to enable the colleges to handle their applications and registration swiftly. I urge all students to follow the procedures for application and registration so that we can [start] learning and teaching on Monday.
“We remain grateful for the outstanding work by our security personnel, the police and paramedics in the manner in which they managed the situation,” Deputy Minister Manamela said.
Discussions are underway between college management, the city council of Polokwane and the South African Police Service to identify an alternative and more suitable venue for registration.
The college's public relations officer Tumelo Morobe is calling on students to remain calm and cooperate with the security officials at the gate to allow for a smooth registration process. #CapricornTVETCollege
— CapricornFM News (@CapricornFMNews) 12 January 2018
Reactions:
What happened at the #CapricornTVETCollege is EXACTLY what happened at Elispark stadium a few years ago. When you promise people free things (when they’re supposed to pay) then fail to manage it, you put people’s lives in danger! @EFFSouthAfrica MUST account! pic.twitter.com/3wQG08ADQk
— Madiepetsane Motaung (@madiepetsane2) 12 January 2018
Provincial Chairperson of the EFF’s student command Mandla Shikwambana says they also blame nepotism, alleging that during registration, staff members give preference to their relatives. #CapricornTVETCollege
— CapricornFM News (@CapricornFMNews) 12 January 2018
Postponing the registration is not gonna stop stampede #CapricornTVETCollege
— Diego chuene (@Diegochuene) 11 January 2018
