GEORGE NEWS - The South Cape College (SCC) is in the process of assessing the electricity needs for all its campuses and hostels, and procurement of backup inverter systems is scheduled to start soon, according to the college management.

The SCC responded to a query from George Herald after a complaint from students at the college's Aspeling Street hostel that they have no wi-fi or backup power, making it challenging to study and do research.

College management said while backup systems were being procured, portable lights were handed out to students to assist them. The college also procured rechargeable bulbs.

A student who wished to remain anonymous told the newspaper that by omitting to supply students with these services, the SCC failed to meet the requirements of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for students in hostels. 

"We have been going to nearby take-away restaurants where there is free wi-fi, but it limits the time for online research. We also need other stoves as the hostel's industrial stoves damage our cooking pots when we prepare our meals," she complained.

College management confirmed that the NSFAS requires all accommodation facilities to supply data and utilities (water and electricity). 

"If students are not supplied with those services, they get a refund as per NSFAS policy. The college is still in the process of installing wi-fi, and in the meantime bursary beneficiaries (hostel residents) receive R200 per month for data," responded management.

They also confirmed that four smaller domestic stoves have been procured, and additional 48kg gas cylinders will soon be installed.

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