#FeesMustFall fears: Security increased at varsity campuses

15 August 2016

Johannesburg - Police officers have been deployed at the University of Johannesburg and the University of Witwatersrand amidst fears of another wave of "Fees Must Fall" protests on Monday.

But everything seemed to be business as usual, with students making their way to and from classes, while at Wits University some students staged a silent protest against gender violence.

Last week, universities in South Africa put in place contingency plans ahead of an announcement about the increase in study fees for 2017. But the briefing by Education Minister Blade Nzimande was cancelled at the eleventh hour, with his office saying further consultations needed to take place first.

The ANC's national executive committee, which met over the weekend, also came out in support of no increase in fees, with secretary general Gwede Mantashe saying more consultation needed to take place.

"We are saying hold on, don't rush into your fee increases, consult further and let's see what is viable and affordable," he said.

Students have been divided on the way forward, with some calling for a national shutdown and others suggesting it's best to wait for Nzimande's pronouncement.

This article first appeared on News24, see here.