I hope this message finds you well.

I am a second-year student enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Informatics programme at the Graduate Centre for Management, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), District Six Campus. My aspiration is to become an expert in database management and business data analysis—areas identified as critical skills by the Department of Higher Education and Training in South Africa, which are often sourced internationally due to local shortages.

Regrettably, my academic journey and that of my peers are at risk of being derailed due to several critical issues within our department. I respectfully request your urgent intervention on the following matters:

Severe Lecturer Shortage: Currently, there are no lecturers assigned to three of our six modules. This issue has persisted since the beginning of the academic year despite repeated student appeals for faculty support.

Non-Payment of Lecturers: The few lecturers who have been available have indicated that they have not been paid since the start of the year. As a result, they have withdrawn from teaching this semester.

Inappropriate Use of Part-Time Lecturers: Part-time lecturers, primarily contracted for evening classes, are being used for full-time modules without proper compensation or consultation hours. Consequently, assessments are delayed or unmarked, putting students’ academic records at risk.

Lack of Adequate Computer Laboratories: Our department lacks a dedicated and functional computer lab. The available facility is outdated and unable to run the applications required for our coursework, hindering our ability to apply what we are being taught.

Unjustified Shift to Online Learning: Classes are frequently moved online—contrary to the university’s mandate and without prior consultation—in what appears to be an effort to suppress student complaints. This contradicts the expectations set for full-time contact learning and undermines our educational experience.

Lack of Departmental Leadership: Since the beginning of the term, the department has been without a Head. This leadership gap has resulted in poor programme management. The programme coordinator has even suggested that students consider going back home, reflecting the level of frustration and helplessness in the system.

These issues are not only disrupting our academic progress but are also likely to delay our graduation. It is already affecting other programmes in the department, such as the Diploma in Banking.

I kindly appeal to your office for immediate action to address these concerns. Our future depends on the stability and credibility of the programme, and we trust that you will treat this matter with the urgency it deserves.

Thank you for your time and anticipated response.

Best regards,
Mbali Button
Second-Year Student
Bachelor of Business Informatics
Cape Peninsula University of Technology