Dear Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Innovation,

I am the mother of a student who is studying at a Private Higher Education instruction, namely Hugenote College in Wellingon. I am really concerned about the practices at this College because they see operating as if the rules of Department of Higher Education don't apply to them.

I am extremely concerned about policies and the high student fees levied by Hugenote College in Wellington which are unaffordable for most student enrolled at the institution. For example for the B Social Work Degree the study fees for 1st year is R47900, 2nd year is R54 900, 3rd year is R54 900, 4th year is R60 000 per year. This is signicantly Higher than other private Higher institutions and public institutions. Without NSFAS bursaries or DSD bursaries parents are left to pay from their own pockets. The socio-economic status of student are predominantly from poor households who could not get entry in a public University. At registration, the student must pay R15 000 for the first sement. After 3 months, the rest of the first semester fees must be fully paid up otherwise the student can't register for the second semester. At the beginning of the second semester, the student must again pay R15 000 registration fees. If the student doesn't have the money, he/she can't continue their studies which place the student at a disadvantage.

In addition, accommodation fees are charged at R3150 per month by the College. The residences haven't been upgraded for years and students are forced to live in poorly maintained rooms with old and broken furniture. At registration, the student are required to pay R9000 deposit for housing and must pay for 12 month accommodation although the student only stay at the college residence for 10 months. If accomodation payment are 7 days late, parents are threatened with arrears letters if they don't pay the monthly installment even though they are only 7 days late and have also payed a 3 months deposit. You can imagine how much anxiety it causes the parent especially in our tough economic climate.

Student are also to sign a document prohibiting them fror raising issues in the media or protesting about any issue. Therefore, their right to free speech are violated.

I urge the committee to please urgently investigate abovementioned issues at Hugenote College.I am fearfull for victimization for myself and my son and would like to remain anonymous.

Thank you and regards