STUDENTS from the College of Africa, near the University of Limpopo in Mankweng, face a crisis after a devastating incident.
A fire broke out at the College of Africa on 6 July 2025.
Students are demanding R30 000 each in compensation for their lost belongings.
The students, supported by their parents, submitted a memorandum of grievances detailing their demands on Saturday, 9 August.
A fire incident that caused significant losses to the students engulfed the Old Silver Room, a girls' accommodation block.
Some students lost all their belongings, including identity documents, matric certificates, laptops, cellphones, and clothes.
They accused the college management of lying about the lack of injuries during the fire.
"Some students were admitted to the hospital after the fire. The college lied that no injuries were reported," said 20-year-old William Chabalala.
ALSO READ | Party takes ACTION against Gayton McKenzie!Opens in new window
William, who is studying safety in society traffic at the college, demands compensation.
"The college never engaged us after the fire. It's business as usual. We want to be compensated for our loss."
Another student, Romeo Seanego (22), said he had dropped out.
"Since the fire, I stopped attending. I'm at home doing nothing. I can't return because I lost everything, including my study material. My parents can't afford to replace anything, nor can we pay the R2 200 monthly accommodation fees. That's why I decided to stay home," he told Daily Sun.
Students also claimed they are mistreated and evicted if they fail to pay the R2 200 accommodation fee.
Some parents, including those from Gauteng and Modimolle, demanded R30 000 compensation per student.
Paulina Mosima Legong (47) said: "We came here to meet the college's management because we've been writing emails and holding meetings without any results. We want R30 000 in compensation for our kids."
While submitting the memorandum, Nelson Mashapa, a parent, gave the college a deadline.
"We give you five working days to respond. By 15 August, we expect answers. Failure to do so, we will come back here again."
The memorandum was received by Elvis Chauke, director of innovation at the College of Africa.
