The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has raised serious concerns about unsafe student accommodation and gender-based violence (GBV) at Eastcape Midlands TVET College following an oversight visit to its Graaff-Reinet campus.
During the visit, committee members expressed their dissatisfaction with the high number of students living in non-accredited accommodation. The committee heard that the college does not own any student housing. As a result, students either stay at home or rent rooms in private facilities, some of which are not accredited.
Committee Chairperson Mr Tebogo Letsie said this situation places students at risk and undermines their right to a safe learning environment. “Student accommodation is not just about having a roof over one’s head,” said Mr Letsie. “It is about safety, dignity and creating conditions that allow students to focus on their studies. When young people are forced to live in unaccredited facilities, their wellbeing and academic success are compromised.”
He warned that allowing students to stay in unsafe accommodation exposes them to crime, exploitation and other dangers. “It is deeply troubling that students are living in conditions where their safety cannot be guaranteed. We cannot speak about expanding access to education while ignoring the living conditions of those we admit into the system,” he said.
The committee also addressed a disturbing gender-based violence case involving a lecturer and a student at the college. Members were briefed on allegations that the lecturer lured the student to an empty classroom and attempted to strangle her.
Mr Letsie stressed that such incidents must be dealt with firmly and transparently. “There must be zero tolerance for gender-based violence in our institutions,” he said. “The alleged perpetrator must face the full might of the law and the appropriate professional disciplinary processes. Students must feel safe in lecture rooms, residences and every corner of our campuses.”
Despite the seriousness of the incident, the committee commended the college for confronting the matter directly, seeking guidance on the correct procedures to follow and reporting the matter to the Department of Higher Education for further guidance.
“While it is unacceptable for such incidents to occur, we acknowledge that the college did not attempt to sweep this matter under the carpet,” Mr Letsie said. “Taking decisive steps, cooperating with authorities and prioritising the victim are the right actions. This culture of transparency and accountability must be strengthened across the sector.”
Eastcape Midlands TVET College was established on 31 March 2002 through the merger of Uitenhage Technical College, KwaNobuhle Technical College, Grahamstown Technical College and the Graaff-Reinet satellite campus of Bethelsdorp Technical College.
In closing, Mr Letsie urged the Department of Higher Education and Training to improve how it communicates about developments within its institutions. “The department must not only appear in the media when there is a crisis,” he said. “There are many positive initiatives and success stories within our institutions. We need proactive communication that builds public confidence, rather than reactive responses that simply defend negative headlines,” he said.
Jabulani Majozi
5 February 2026
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