FET colleges in shambles

Further Education and Training (FET) colleges in the country and the Free State are facing an uphill battle.

This has been revealed by a stinging report in which problems such as financial difficulties, colleges being staffed with under-qualified lecturers, and school leavers being reluctant to enrol with them were detailed.

The audit report from the Human Science Research Council (HSRC), concluded in March this year, paints a bleak picture of the state of affairs at these institutions.

These colleges came about as the result of a merger of 152 former Technical Colleges into 50 new FET colleges.

The report shows that the college system is failing to increase the rate of up-skilling of the existing workforce in the country.

There has been a reduction of enrolment of youngsters from 84 percent in 2007 to 20 percent in 2010.

In the Free State, the total enrolment in the National Certificate between 2007 and 2010 dropped by almost half. There were 515 staff members in Free State colleges – 33 staff members in artisan fields, 48 had a higher degree, 236 had a higher diploma, 144 with a diploma, and 54 did not have diplomas.

There were 195 FET academic staff members who do not have a diploma level and 11 percent have a higher degree. This suggests limited pedagogic and contextual expertise in the sector.

The report suggested five areas where colleges need to improve. In management, there is need to appoint chief financial officers as soon as possible.

In governance, the report recommends that gender equity be improved to be on par with the requirement of the Act. The audit also found that there has been inadequate compliance with the Act in terms of policies, plans and procedures. The establishment of the governance structure is also a need.

Two main issues identified with respect to staff are academic and industry qualifications that need ongoing attention through the development of partnerships. The age range of the students also needs to be broadened and student financial aid must be addressed urgently.

Free State premier Ace Magashule recently appointed a Commission of Enquiry into the affairs of the Motheo FET College in Bloemfontein.

This commission was tasked with investigating possible irregularities with the procurement of goods and services by the management of this institution. The abuse and irregular disposal of property of the institution was also to be probed.

There was a need to look into irregular appointments and personnel practices, alleged failure by management to ensure the safety of students, and the alleged failure by management to provide students with study aids such as books and bursaries.