#Feesmustfall QUESTIONS FINALLY ANSWERED
IOL-The University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal students, put hard-hitting questions to Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande. The University fees issue is not going away until minister creates balance for both students and universities.
The issue is more complicated to an extent that Blade cannot handle it alone, and is much a political question and has to be dealt with at a national level. He reminded students that the 0% fee increase was not a government decision. The state agreed to the proposal and to work with universities to support the decisions.
The ANC promised free education for all. Why can the ruling the party not fulfil that promise?
The ANC has not promised free higher education for all. It has promised to introduce free higher education for the poor. Basic education as well as adult basic education is a fundamental right and must be provided to all who need it.
According to the IOL in 2012, the ANC at its conference expanded on its earlier pronouncement in 2007 by noting the following:
The fees to be covered must include tuition, accommodation, food, books, learning resources and travel; that is full cost of study fees.
Academically capable students from poor families should not be expected to pay upfront fees in order to access higher education.
What have been the failing of NSFAS?
NSFAS had some administrative difficulties. It has been highly successful and funded more than a million poor students, providing bursaries and loans. NSFAS is currently improving its administration and has seconded expertise from the banking sectors to assist it.
Would subsidies to universities be increased or decreased?
This is the work of the presidential commission.
“We cannot afford to destroy our universities- it will not assist the youth, Appeasing the youth in unlikely to lead to long-term solutions. Dialogue and Frank options need to be discussed.” Said Nzimande
By Christina Semenya
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