The Select Committee on Education and Recreation welcomes the announcement by the Department of Higher Education and Training that students qualifying for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and those falling in the category of the so-called “missing middle” will be exempt from any fee increase in 2017.
“The Committee sees the decision as a first step towards the attainment of free quality tertiary education for the poor and missing middle, and as a way of fighting the triple threat of poverty, unemployment and inequality,” said Ms Lungelwa Zwane, the Chairperson of the Committee.
This pronouncement will go a long way towards ensuring that tertiary education is not the preserve of only the rich, she said. Furthermore, the recommendation to cap the increase below 8% for those who can afford it will also ensure that tertiary institutions do not endure financial pressure and will still be able to deliver quality education. The announcement also affords the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the funding of higher education the necessary space it requires to achieve its intended objectives and find lasting solutions to funding challenges, the Chairperson said.
Despite this, the Committee is concerned by the resurgence of protests at higher education institutions as a result of the announcement. “We urge all students to acknowledge the processes that are underway and recognise that comprehensive solutions must be found to ensure that both the quality of higher education programmes and access for everyone is achieved,” Ms Zwane emphasised.
The Committee urges the Commission to urgently conclude their work to ensure that comprehensive solutions are found.
Media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson please contact:
Mr Malatswa Molepo
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
