Question NW338 to the Minister of Higher Education and Training

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02 March 2016 - NW338

Profile picture: Bagraim, Mr M

Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

(a) What steps has his department taken to ensure that the abandoned students of the Vukani Aviation Project are provided with alternative training through a different flying school and (b) when were the specified students last contacted by his department in this regard; (2) (a) have the specified students been informed of their likely futures and (b) has his department apologised for the plight they have found themselves in; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether any funding has been recovered from the service provider concerned; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether he plans to take any legal steps against the service provider for failing to provide safe and adequate learning conditions to the students; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (5) whether the Civil Aviation Authority has taken any steps to investigate the service provider of the Vukani Aviation Project for deviations from flying/airline safety protocols; if not, why not; if so, what were (a) the findings and (b) consequences?

Reply:

1. (a) The students of the Vukani Aviation Project have not been abandoned as the Department is in the process of sourcing an alternate school for the cadets. To date presentations have been received from flying schools and the Department is in the process of finalising the selection of an alternate school.

(b) The Department is in contact with the students, informing and updating them of the progress made in securing alternative training with the last being on 4 January 2016.

2. (a) Yes, the students have always been assured that the Department has their interests at heart and that they will be awarded an opportunity to complete their respective training.

(b) The Department has on several occasions during meetings held with the students expressed its displeasure surrounding the circumstances that emerged from this project and have assured the cadets that this matter will be finalised in their favour. The Department has fully and comprehensively explained the situation to the students.

3. The contract between Vukani Aviation and the Department ended in December 2015, and the service provider is in the process of submitting a closeout report. It is important to note that payments to service providers are only processed on performance and delivery of programmes. Upon receiving the closeout report, the Department will determine whether there is any amount owed to the service provider.

4. The training provider has been fully accredited by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the Department believes that only SACAA has the authority to take legal steps against the training provider if any air safety regulations have been flouted.

5. This matter lies within the competency of SACAA and it is suggested that this question be directed to SACAA.

 

Compiler/contact persons:

Contact number:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

REPLY TO QUESTION 338 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

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