INCONSISTENT AIR-CONDITIONING IN LECTURE VENUES

Tebello Monokwa

@tebello_monokwa  

Air-conditioning has become a major issue in lecture venues. It continues to affect everyone’s teaching and learning environments, with both lecturers and students raising concerns about inconsistent temperatures.  

Omphemetse Maleka, a lecturer, said, “My experience with the air-conditioning systems in lecture venues has been inconsistent. Some venues function adequately, while others frequently experience issues. such as not cooling effectively or not working at all.” She explained that this issue remains unchanged from last year and continues to disrupt teaching, as uncomfortable temperatures make it difficult for both lecturers and students to stay focused and engaged. Maleka added that extreme conditions can lead to fatigue, reduced participation and overall distraction.  

Rethabile Lethoba, a student, also stressed the same issues. “When it’s too cold or too hot, people are uncomfortable and become distracted, which makes it hard to focus and stay engaged. It affects how attentive people are in class.” Lethoba, furthermore, explained that the university is to fix these types of issues, but eventually they do get fixed.   “Air-conditioning across campus is inconsistent and varies depending on the venue, making it difficult to generalise the experience,”

Nthabiseng Legsodi, a student, shared. She describes how unpredictable the temperatures in the lecture venues can be and also added that students cannot concentrate and only stay for the sake of the lecture, hoping it will end soon. Legsodi added that the temperature control should be more seasonally appropriate, suggesting that heating is necessary during colder periods, while the systems should be adjusted or turned off during warmer seasons to maintain a more comfortable and balanced learning experience.  

While conditions vary from room to room, the lack of reliable temperature control and slow response to maintenance continues to affect both teaching and learning. Addressing these challenges through improved maintenance, quicker interventions and better temperature regulation could enhance comfort and academic engagement.  

An air-conditioner in a classroom environment (Source: Quad Blogging).

  Edited by Isabel Burgers