By Palesa Motshabi
BLOEMFONTEIN – College authorities at Motheo FET College are worried about the rate of truancy and indiscipline among students that has resulted in a low pass rates over the years.
Authorities say parents need to get more involved in the running of the institution which is a university affiliate, to curb indiscipline and rein in on students who bunk off classes.
“We have a problem with students at the Bloemfontein Campus who do not attend classes. The majority leave home pretending they are coming to school but they go truant, campus manager Paul Makokoe said.
He said students lack respect for authority and the smoking rate was high among students adding: “One should not be surprised when Motheo’s students fail. Most importantly the use of alcohol on campus and dagga (marijuana) which is a criminal offence is becoming a serious issue because some parents protect their kids,” he lamented.
Despite such indiscipline, there are some good students who have enabled the college to hold graduation ceremonies every year.
He also said getting a 15 per cent pass rate is difficult to achieve due to student indiscipline.
On Saturday, September 8 college authorities called a meeting at Commerce Hall at the campus for lecturers and parents to come together and work out possible solution regarding students’ absenteeism and indiscipline and the low pass rate.