The EFF Youth Command at Motheo Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) College in Bloemfontein has applauded the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for demanding more than R44.6-million from the principal of the institution, professor Dipeloane Phutsisi.
This comes after the SIU had sent a letter of demand to Phutsisi to cough up millions of rands. The funds were earmarked to be allocated to students through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). However, the funds were never utilised for what they were intended for.
The sum includes interest in funds that were donated to the college as bursaries. They were meant for students between 2017 and 2022.
EFF welcomes move
The EFF Youth Command at the college stated that it had welcomed the firm action taken by the SIU against Phutsisi, who took responsibility to pay back the money.
“The Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command at Motheo TVET College welcomes the firm action taken by the SIU against principal Marianna Dipeloane Monyadiwa Phutsisi, who is accused of defrauding NFSAS over R44-million, funds meant to support the education of impoverished and working-class students. In September 2023, Ms Phutsisi signed an acknowledgement of debt and consented to judgment in terms of the Magistrates Court Act 32 of 1994. Yet, despite this admission of personal liability, she has failed to pay the money. And the institution under her leadership continues to crumble,” said the EFF Youth Command at the college.
The EFF also stated that Phutsisi’s actions and failed leadership had left many dreams shattered. Students remained abandoned and frustrated, and it accused Phutsisi of being a cause of staff not being paid their salaries.
“The college continues to operate under collapsing conditions. Meanwhile those who mismanaged and looted public resources remain protected and untouched. It is evident that there is no principle of good governance at Motheo TVET College.
Rampant mismanagement
“The institution is being run like a private enterprise, governed by fear, corruption and impunity. This is precisely why the college administration continues to refuse the registration of student political organisations. Particularly the EFF Youth Command. They fear accountability. We will not be silenced. We will not be intimidated.”
The EFF youth wing at the college also said that the youngsters of this country have the responsibility to dismantle corrupt systems and protect institutions of learning from being looted and destroyed.
Education minister urged to act
The EFF youth command demanded the removal of Phutsisi from the office. It called for the dismissal of the entire Motheo TVET College executive management. Also that the college council be dissolved, as it was also accused of failing to do an oversight.
The organisation also said that it demanded the Minister of Higher Education, Nobuhle Nkabane, who is also facing the storm, to explain why there was no decisive action taken against those implicated in corruption scandal at Motheo to be taken to task.
