Consultations are continuing on 2017 university fees, DHET calls for continuing patience from all sides
The Department of Higher Education and Training has noted with concern the continuing student unrest at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the misleading reports suggesting that Government has already reached a firm position on university fee adjustments for 2017.
DHET Director-General, Mr Gwebinkundla Qonde, said the correct position was that Government has yet to pronounce itself on university fee adjustments for 2017, adding that the misleading reports were not doing the complex issue of higher education any justice.
"After Minister Blade Nzimande recently received the report of the Council on Higher Education on their recommendation for 2017 fees, he decided to gather further views from all stakeholders, including students and university councils, before proceeding with any announcement on the matter. These delicate consultations are continuing," Mr Qonde said.
“We are hopeful that these current consultations with all stakeholders will conclude successfully, with an announcement in this regard expected to be made later this month. Government has over the past two decades invested significant resources to assist students who come from poor families through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
It is also committed to ensuring that this support is strengthened going forward, as it continues to progressively implement free higher education for the poor as per the current policy," Mr Qonde said.
"Government is also committed to providing better support for middle class students. It recognises the burden that working and middle class families bear in supporting their children through basic education and into higher education, and the need to find workable solutions for these groups that are not currently supported through NSFAS," he added.
Enquires:
Busiswa Gqangeni
Cell: 079 547 5299 / 061 351 2695
E-mail: Gqangeni.B@dhet.gov.za
