Thousands flock to register at Vaal University of Technology

HUNDREDS of prospective students queued at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in Vereeniging for most of yesterday, claiming the online registration process was unreliable and that they preferred the walk-in system.

Some students were queuing for various reasons including late applications, registrations and general enquiries.

Mike Khuboni, executive director Corporate Affairs at VUT, said the online system was experiencing hiccups because of the large number of students applying as the result of a marketing campaign last year.

Khuboni said they have since received 22 000 applications – however, the institution can only accommodate 4500 first year students.

“It’s unfortunate that most students prefer universities, yet there are other opportunities like colleges which also offer good qualifications,” he said.

Mampho Seleka, 18, from Senekal, Free State, said she did not apply online because she struggled with internet access.

Outgoing Student Representative Council Troy Mathebula said one of the challenges the institution was facing was the online application for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) students.

“Most students coming from matric can’t access their status, the process is very slow and the university has specific dates to register the students. But we have engaged with NSFAS and management to say that if the students appear on the system or qualify, they should be given a chance to register and all the setbacks will be dealt FRIDAY JANUARY 13 2017 with as an institution.”

He said they had agreed with management that no student should be academically excluded because of lack of finances.

“We plan to pledge R2.5 million to cover poor students. We know it is not enough but we are also going to engage a fundraising programme with the financial committee to try and assist everyone.”

Mathebula said they also asked management to be lenient with students who didn’t have registration fees to be given at least three months to raise the money. – ANA