Ekurhuleni TVET students struggle with hunger and stress

Financial pressure, food insecurity, transport costs and mental health struggles are among the challenges affecting students at the Ekurhuleni TVET College, with some facing such pressure that they miss classes or struggle to keep up with their studies.

Speaking to TimesLIVE, acting principal Bennita Sisi said many students came from disadvantaged backgrounds and had to balance their studies with financial responsibilities at home.

She said students were increasingly dealing with mental health concerns, academic pressure, transport costs, food insecurity, unemployment in their families and uncertainty about their future careers.

Sisi cited delays in financial aid, transport costs, accommodation expenses and food insecurity as major sources of stress.

“Financial difficulties are among the most significant concerns,” she said.

“These pressures often overlap with personal problems such as anxiety, depression, bereavement, family conflict and relationship difficulties,” she said.

Sisi said the impact could be seen in students’ attendance and academic performance. " We find a lot of students missing classes or arriving late, while stress, anxiety and family problems affect their concentration, motivation and engagement with their studies.

“Some students struggle to keep up with coursework, perform poorly in assessments or submit assignments late. In more serious cases, the combined pressures can lead to prolonged absenteeism, disengagement and students dropping out before completing their qualifications.”

For some students, the biggest barrier is asking for help. “Students could fear being judged, worry about confidentiality, or lack awareness of the support available to them. Some may also feel seeking help is a sign of weakness.”

Sisi said many students came from communities facing socioeconomic challenges. Some live in single-parent households, are raised by grandparents or extended family, or come from homes affected by unemployment, financial hardship, illness or family conflict.

“Some students are caregivers to younger siblings or other family members, while others are parents themselves. These responsibilities can add emotional, social and financial pressure and make it harder for students to focus on their studies,” she said.

The challenges have prompted the college to strengthen its student support services, including the introduction of a comfort room, a space where students can seek help with personal, emotional, health and academic challenges.

The initiative is part of a wider programme by Higher Health, the national agency responsible for health and wellbeing support in the post-school education and training sector.

Deputy minister of higher education Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube said Higher Health identified a need for spaces where young people could speak openly about issues that are often difficult or stigmatised, including mental health, gender-based violence, HIV, discrimination and social isolation.