Fee cap nothing more than band aid solution

20 October 2015

The agreement reached this afternoon to cap student fee increases at 6% for 2016 is nothing more than a band aid solution that does nothing to address the chronic underfunding of institutions of higher education and the R51 billion shortfall in NSFAS funding.

Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, conceded today that funding for higher education is suffering as a result of public funds being lost to corruption and mismanagement in government. Until we deal decisively with these problems, universities, and ultimately students, will continue to suffer as a result. 

The DA urges Minister Nene to use the medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS) tomorrow to announce a significant increase to funding for both NSFAS and institutions of higher education. Government must prioritise further education as a matter of urgency.

Now more than ever we need strong leadership from government and a commitment to ensuring that qualifying students are empowered with the opportunity to pursue post-school education. We cannot tolerate the financial exclusion of young people and the effect his has on their chance to pursue a life of value.

Statement issued by Prof Belinda Bozzoli MP, DA Shadow Minister of Higher Education, 20 October 2015