COSATU statement on the university fees hikes

19 September 2016

The Congress of South African Trade Unions has noted the announcement by the minister of higher education and training, Blade Nzimande, who recommended that universities and colleges increase their fees by no more than 8% in 2017.The meeting, also announced that there would be no increase for students with National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) loans.

We are pleased that government would subsidise any increase for students with National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) loans and for students in the "missing middle". COSATU welcomes the decision to increase the salary scale of those, who fall under the “missing middle” income to R600, 000 a year.  This is a clear sign that government is committed to helping the children of poor, working and middle-class families.

We support government’s efforts to resolve this issue and agree with the proposed fee increase that will only be focused on those who can afford to pay. Our argument is based on the fact that the cost of living is rising, with inflation moving from 4.6% in 2015 to over 6% already this year. The escalating food prices that are influenced by draught and administered prices, especially electricity tariffs hikes, are repealing workers wages and the general fuel levy that has been increased by 30c/litre have significantly contributed to the rise in the cost of living.

The poor working class students should not be forced to pay an increase until the Presidential Commission of Enquiry into Higher Education {Fees Commission} tables its final report as expected. In the absence of such a report, COSATU believes that the poor students should not be forced to pay but only those from well resourced families should be expected to pay. We are also calling on big business the biggest beneficiaries of our educations system to step up and start funding the education system.   

We support the student’s argument that this country has enough resources hidden in the pockets of white monopoly capital that can be harnessed and utilised to provide free education for the vulnerable students.

COSATU demands that government should work to reform our education system and also to take a lead in overhauling the funding model of our education system. The federation shall continue to work with students until free education is a reality in this country. Any planned marches that will take place should  avoid the unhelpful, violent and criminal behaviour that we have seen in previous protests. The destruction of property will not bring about free education but will delay it because the resources will have to redirected to rebuilding the damaged infrastructure.

Issued by Sizwe Pamla, National Spokesperson, COSATU, 19 September 2016