Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training applauds formation of Task Team on Higher Education funding
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has applauded the decision by President Jacob Zuma to set up a task team to address funding challenges at tertiary institutions.
Following the announcement by President Zuma on the establishment of the task team, the Committee is of the view that this is a good decision in light of the persistent funding challenges at tertiary institutions.
Portfolio Committee Chairperson Ms Yvonne Phosa said: “We support the establishment of the task team, as this is what is needed to deal with the funding challenges in the higher education and training sector. This is a progressive move that will go a long way towards ensuring that there is adequate funding for higher education and training. It will also complement efforts that have been ongoing in order to address the funding challenges.”
The task team, which consists of the Presidency, the Department of Higher Education and Training, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, vice-chancellors, student representative bodies and other stakeholders, is expected to report back by the end of November.
“We support the stakeholder engagement, as it is only through working together that we can achieve better results. We commend the inclusive task team charged with the responsibility to come with the best solution to funding tertiary education,” said Ms Phosa.
On the issue of transformation, Ms Phosa said: “We are encouraged that the vice-chancellors have shown willingness to transform universities and have also committed to fast-tracking transformation at institutions of higher learning and training, which is long overdue.”
Echoing President Zuma’s sentiments on student violence on campuses, Ms Phosa emphasised that student leaders have a responsibility to raise their issues through proper channels.
“As much as the students have the right to trigger a response to their grievances, they do not have to resort to violence and vandalism, which only leads to the government having to find more money to reconstruct the damaged property. This is retarding progress.”
She added: “Access to tertiary education has nothing to do with the protection of language and culture or even politics, but has more to do with capacitating students with quality education, regardless of colour, race or creed, for a better life for all.”
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Elijah Moholola
Tel: 021 403 2311
Cell: 081 509 1889
E-mail: emoholola@parliament.gov.za
