R2bn for FET students

Government will this year increase funds allocated to Further Education and Training (FET) college students to R2-billion, President Jacob Zuma announced on Tuesday.
Zuma made the announcement during his visit to the Tshwane South Further Education and Training College’s Odi Campus in Mabopane.
In 2012, R1.7 million was allocated to students at FETs.
“This programme gives effect to the introduction of free education whereby all qualifying National Certificate Vocational (NCV) and the NATED students are exempted from payment of fees at all public FET colleges,” Zuma said.
He visited the college to see first-hand how FETs are run and what students do. The President also took the opportunity to encourage students as the academic year gets underway.
The visit forms part the State of the Nation Address’s community and stakeholder outreach programme in the Presidency, designed to hear the views of the public on a number of issues.
“The visit signifies the importance which government attaches to FETs. That’s why I brought ministers so that we can recommit government to provide full support to FETs countrywide,” said Zuma.
The first ever visit by a President to a FET college follows a meeting last year, where President Zuma met with FET college principals.
During that meeting, Zuma told principals that government would do everything to improve FETs and make them centres of excellence.
He also ensured the principals that more funds would be allocated towards infrastructure at FETs.
Zuma was accompanied by Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, his Deputy Mduduzi Manana, Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba, Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane.
– SAnews.gov.za