We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis affecting students under the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) bursary program, who are unable to continue their studies due to unpaid tuition fees.

Background:
The GCRA bursary program has been a beacon of hope for many talented and hardworking students in Gauteng, enabling them to pursue higher education and contribute meaningfully to the province's future. However, the failure of the GCRA to pay these students' tuition fees for the 2024 academic year has placed their academic futures in jeopardy. Despite attempts to resolve this matter, including a scheduled meeting with the GCRA CEO, there has been a lack of accountability and urgency in addressing this critical issue.

Our Demands:
1. Immediate Payment: All outstanding tuition fees for GCRA bursary students must be paid in full by Friday, 10 January 2025, to allow students to register for the 2025 academic year without further delay.
2. Accountability: We demand the immediate removal of the GCRA CEO for gross incompetence and failure to prioritize the welfare of the students.
3. Future Assurance: Implement a transparent and accountable system to prevent such issues from recurring, ensuring that the rights and futures of bursary students are safeguarded.

Call to Action:
We urge MEC Matome Chiloane, the Gauteng Department of Education, and the Premier of Gauteng to take swift and decisive action to resolve this crisis. The future of our province's youth depends on their ability to access education without unnecessary obstacles. By signing this petition, we express our solidarity with the affected students and our commitment to holding the responsible parties accountable.