Tshiu M

RE: Adminstrative Incompetency etc.

My story start off looking for an institution that would provide/offer an online tax course for beginners in the industry or a refresher course, as I have other qualifications in finance. That’s when I found the Tax faculty through SAIT website, I felt a bit confident with that link, as I needed to register with SARS afterwards. The bottom line, is I asked all the relevant questions relating to fees and how this course will assist me in finally registering with SARS. Answers I got where very welcoming stating it’s a good course (PCIT) to take would and I would be able to register as a practitioner and you can take it while employed etc., only to find out that I have to complete at least one other course to register with SARS. I’ve accepted that condition, it was time now to go through the course content which seemed accommodative at first. During this, content was then piled up on students who complained and eventually deregistered. This was sad to see, but I tried to push on despite what was happening around the course. Exam time comes and we are/I’m not informed about the outcome or consequences of the exam results and a clear breakdown of how semester marks work and their contribution so as I can evaluate how much I need. Last week I was asked to pay my monthly outstanding fee and this week I’m told I’ve been removed from the course due it having prerequisite of the first semester’s completion. When I asked for assistance, I receive very short cut answers not guiding me but directing me on what is going to happen. I would like to emphasis three things wrong in this story, administrators should be fourth coming and knowledgeable about their course so as to provide proper advice to potential students. Due to this being an online course, communication with consultants or support is limited to technological means. Communication or information is very important, if it’s not said by a Tax faculty representative it should at least be uploaded somewhere (giving directions on access) for people to find. Enough time needs to be given to students (employed/unemployed) to digest their information, instead of pilling content up. If you are employed and want to study through this institution, think of these things. Is important, relevant information being provided to you within your needs, is the content breakdown clear to you to assess if it will be able to be completed in time. Resolving of issues, level of treatment and communication provided to you regarding fees (what they need) and course issues (what you need). Truth has to be said, the course content quality is very informative, professional and enjoyable at times.