The Mpumalanga Department of Education on Friday said of the 27 students who requested extensions to complete their studies in Russia, 12 had been allowed to do so.
The students requiring an extension could not conclude their courses within the stipulated period.
“Out of the 27 students who submitted the required information, 12 have been cleared by the department, and an extension was duly granted,” said Jasper Zwane, spokesperson for the education department.
To qualify for the extension, students had to submit a detailed written motivation accompanied by academic reports and supporting evidence.
“Those who did not meet the requirements for an extension were directed to submit the necessary documents/ information or return to the province,” Zwane said.
“Arrangements are being finalised for their safe return. The Department requests their cooperation in this regard.”
South African students studying in Russia on scholarships funded by the Mpumalanga provincial government have been complaining that their fees and accommodation have not been paid, resulting in threats of eviction.
Commenting on the matter, the department said it has made strides in supporting the students at universities in Russia.
“To date, the department has successfully processed monthly stipends for all the deserving students,” Zwane said.
“In addition to the allocated stipends, the department provided an amount for payment of accommodation.
“This will make things easier in that henceforth each student will upon receipt of the allocation, settle his/her monthly accommodation fees.”
The department said the delay in the payments was due “to the unwillingness” by some universities in Russia to submit invoices.
The department said it received invoices from the following universities:
1. Moscow Aviation Institute (12 students) and payment of tuition for 11 students have been finalised.
2. Saratov State Agrarian University (22 students) and payment for tuition have been finalised for all 22 students.
3. North Caucusus Federal University (15 students) and payment for 13 students have been finalised.
4. Saratov State Medical University (42 students) and payment for 39 students have been approved for processing.
5. Platov University – (11 students) and approval for payment have been granted for all 11 students.
6. Nizhny Novgorod Lobachevsky University (3 students) and payment for one student has been processed.
“This means that tuition for about 105 students has been settled or is being processed for invoices received and that these students will henceforth be able to focus on their academic programmes,” explained Zwane.
“It must be noted that some of the payments will be effected in due course by the South African Embassy in Russia and as such it may be possible that information pertaining to such payments has not cleared at the time of issuing out this update.”
Tambov University, which has 74 students, sent a letter on 24 December 2022 confirming their intention to consider the request to submit invoices directly to the department.
“As soon as the invoices are received, they will be processed with the necessary urgency,” said Zwane.
“So far, the department is satisfied with the progress made.”
The department said it was engaging universities that have not submitted invoices.
The universitites that are still to submit invoices include:
? Astrakhan Medical University (09 students)
? KURSK University (1 student) and
? Nizhny Novgorod Privolzhsky Medical University (02 students)
“The Department is in constant engagement with the Department of Higher Education and Training to create favourable conditions to accommodate some of the students in the event that Universities in Russia do not honour the request to submit invoices direct to the department,” said Zwane.
“Furthermore, the department is engaging universities in Russia for possible transfer of students from universities that are not willing to submit invoices direct to the department, should the need arise.”
However, IOL is reporting that more than 200 South African students from Mpumalanga who are studying in Russia faced a black Christmas with no food.
The students are enrolled at different universities in Russia and are studying courses including aviation, engineering, medicine, and information technology.
Activist and spokesperson for the group of students, Hayley Reichert, said the fees and other living costs haven’t been paid for at least six months.
Speaking to eNCA, Reichert said since students raised alarm on their situation, only 47 students had their fees paid.
Higher Education, Science, and Innovation Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande has dismissed Reichert’s assertions as unfounded.
“It is vividly clear from numerous public letters, interviews, and her public posture that Reichert is cynically using the legitimate plight of students studying in Russia on a decidedly anti-government tirade.
“We believe this because her tirade deliberately and cynically ignores numerous efforts by government both in South Africa and its representatives in Russia to address the plight of the affected students.”
The minister said the Department of Higher Education and Training was well aware of the challenges of the Mpumalanga scholarships.
He said the province has requested the department to assist and facilitate the local absorption of the returning students.
The department has already started engagements with local universities to request the intake of returning students.
