YCLSA calls on minister of higher education investigate university fee increases

15 October 2015

The Young Communist League of South Africa [uFasimba] calls on the Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande to move resolutely with an investigation and a commission on fee increases, the structure and cost of student fees, with a view to lower and standardise those fees across all universities as a step towards free education.

Currently the National Students Financial Aid Scheme [NSFAS] pays different amounts for same qualifications at different universities. Historically white institutions such as the University of Cape Town are very expensive, as if that is a new instrument used to keep the poor, majority black, out there. 

Since 2009 our government under the leadership of President Jacob Zuma has increased NSFAS support three-fold to close to R10 billion from about R3 billion. ‎However, sky-high fee increases have had the negating effect of rolling back the advances our country is making through its increased support for the NSFAS. The YCLSA calls on the councils of all universities to stop fee increases, which are often more than the rate of inflation. 

Education is a constitutional right, but universities are making it a privilege, for a few, mainly the children of the rich, capitalist class and the well-off middle strata, at the exclusion of the working class.

This is why to be educated today in South Africa is not necessarily to be capable but is first and foremost the result of money to buy access to education as a commodity.

The YCLSA stands for free quality education, which we believe South Africa can progressively realise. 

Statement issued by Khaya Xaba, YCLSA National Spokesperson, 15 October 2015