Students and management meet to discuss residence maintenance
Students and management meet to discuss residence maintenance
Ms Maureen Ngwenya, Hospitality Manager addressing the students
Thabiso Sechele
The Central Housing Committee (CHC) met with various stakeholders to tackle issues concerning VUT residences at an imbizo held at the VUT residences on 26 May.
VUT management addressed students regarding maintenance issues in all residences. Amongst them was Ms Maureen Ngwenya, Hospitality Manager, Mr Jerry Molutsi, Residence Director, Mr Konyana, Maintenance Supervisor and the Deputy Chairman of CHC, Mr Mashaba. The message of the day was: ‘Maintenance delayed is educational distraction although vandalism is not a solution’.
Mr Molutsi gave an overview of maintenance and Mr Konyana explained that some buildings are 40 years old and recess is not long enough to tackle some of the problems that require students to be away from their residences. Students were also encouraged to take care of their resources.
Students expressed their concerns: Wi-Fi connections, security and limited kitchens and showers were some of them. Some of the facilities were damaged during last year’s protest which prompted the message against vandalism on the day.
However, management said all students’ concerns were valid and that most are being attended to. New systems are being developed for students to report matters more quickly. They will now be able to report maintenance issues and monitor the process on their cell phones once the Wi-Fi connection is restored.
Performances by various student structures
The event ended on a lighter note as a variety of music, poetry and dance groups provided entertainment. The Office of Welfare also came to support their beloved students.