Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has dismissed false claims that he had given the go-ahead for fee increases in the tertiary education sector. This comes after reports indicate that the minister proposed that universities be allowed to raise tuition fees by about 4,5% and residence fees by 6,5%
The minister has emphasised he does not have the authority to determine fees.
They explain that University Councils have the power to set fees, and the Minister's role is to provide guidance within a socio-economic framework, aiming to protect students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
However, in view of the socio-economic reality of our country, through the Department, each year, the Minister usually provides the universities with a framework that should guide how they determine their fee structure.
Nzimande expressed disappointment that organisations and media for making public statements without understanding the fee determination process.
The Minister regards it as disappointing and somewhat mischievous that formal organisations and long-standing media houses would make public statements on university fees, without first informing themselves of the process of determining university fees.
The Higher Education Department says it remains committed to providing information to enhance public understanding of the higher education system.
The Impact Of Fee Increases
The potential impact of fee increases at universities will impact missing middle students the most.
“Missing-Middle” students refer to individuals whose household income exceeds R350,000 per annum but is below R600,000.
They are deemed too rich to qualify for government support but too poor to afford the cost of tertiary education.
This household income means that they do not qualify for funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The NSFAS bursary aims to cover all the costs of tertiary education including tuition fees, registration fees as well as accommodation, meal and stationery costs.
Wits University SRC member Anganathi Jack says the minister's proposal is ill-informed and unaffordable. This is as students continue to navigate challenging circumstances when attempting to register for a new academic year.
In some cases, students are prevented from registering to continue their studies if they have not settled outstanding debt owed to the insulation. This could be exacerbated if fees are increased.
They add that the fees charged by institutions are ridiculous. However, they acknowledged that universities have running costs which increase.
Jack also warned that even NSFAS-funded students may face challenges paying for these increases. Last year, NSFAS introduced an accommodation cap and if residence costs are increased, the increment may fall on the students to cover.
