By Anita Dangazele
- Students say some lecturers demand sex for marks and invite learners to private homes to write tests, but college bosses have not acted.
- A protest leader says a lecturer accused of harassment last year was brought back this year even after evidence was given to management.
Angry students at PE College’s Iqhayiya Campus in Gqeberha have shut down classes over claims of sexual abuse by lecturers and a lack of action from the college.
The protest, led by the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command, was organised to hand over a list of demands to management.
Loyiso Toto, who led the protest, said students are fed up with the college ignoring serious allegations.
“This started last year when a student reported that a lecturer harassed her,” he said. “Management did nothing, so the matter went to central management. Even there, they just suspended the lecturer and later brought him back – even though there was evidence.”
Toto said there have been other cases too. Some lecturers allegedly invite students to their homes to write tests and ask for sex in return for marks.
“We cannot be taught by people we fear,” said Student Representative Council member Amahle Mbexeshi. “We want honesty from management. It feels like they are protecting the lecturers.”
Students are also demanding better treatment for learners living with disabilities.
Toto said the college accepts students with disabilities but then fails to provide the facilities they need.
“It’s not fair,” he said. “You can’t take in students and then ignore their basic needs.”
Trial exams are set to start on Friday, but students say the protests will continue until the college gives them answers.
Pictured above: The main entrance at PE College’s Iqhayiya Campus.
Image source: Supplied
