By Nokwanda Mamba

MBABANE: Sebenele Lukhele(26) an aspiring nurse personally approached Deputy Prime Minister Senator Themba Masuku who declined to help her with a bursary to pursue a course in Nursing Assistant. 

Lukhele of Nkwene area in the Shiselweni region, a few kilometres from Hlathikhulu town wants to pursue a Certificate in Nursing Assistant course and is in need of financial assistance. 

On Tuesday, 26th July 2022 she approached the DPM seeking for financial assistance to pursue the course but he flatly refused even to facilitate assistance with government or private companies.

This Swaziland News is in possession of screenshots of the conversation between the aspiring nurse and the DPM. 

"I'm sorry I can't help.I have already exhausted my resources and supporting 11 OVC students. Many people have asked me to approach companies for assistance but unfortunately the companies don't take me seriously anymore.I am not the only one who approaches these companies for help.  Many people do that and the companies are stretched to the limits",said the Deputy Prime Minister.

DPM Themba Masuku was reached for comments, however, he had not responded to our questionnaire at the time of compiling this report. 

Speaking to this publication, the aspiring nurse said she has been admitted for the Nursing Assistant course for the second time but she couldn't pursue it due to financial constraints. 

“My parents are unemployed and I need to raise about R14,000 per year, this is a two (2) year course. I'm appealing to the public to help me raise the funds for my tuition.I have even approached my Member of Parliament (MP)and the DPM but they couldn't assist me",she said.

Phila Buthelezi, the Minister of Labour and Social Security had not responded to our questions at the time of compiling this report. 

Reached for comments, Philile Mavuso, the Deputy President of the Swaziland National Union of Students(SNUS) said Government never took education seriously. 

“We expect nothing from him besides that they don't take education seriously because they know that whatever they get its through connections or their relationships with the royalty. They are all useless we want a democratic Government where we will all be equal", said the SNUS Deputy President.

Those who would like to assist Sebenele Lukhele with her tuition fees can do so via the College's Nedbank account 05000 0040158 and use Sebenele Lukhele as reference.

For confirmation call Sebenele Lukhele (+268) 76985510.