Johannesburg -Labour federation Cosatu has said it welcomes the decision proposed by Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande to increase the salary scale of those who fall under the “missing middle” income to R600 000 a year.
This comes after Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande announced on Tuesday that universities fees will increase by no more that eight percent in 2017.
Nzimande also announced that there will be no increase for students with National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) loans.
Cosatu's Sizwe Pamla said in a statement on Monday that Nzimande's announcement for an increase of the salary scale shows that government is committed to helping the poor, working and middle-class families.
“We support government’s efforts to resolve this issue and agree with the proposed fee increase that will only be focused on those who can afford to pay. Our argument is based on the fact that the cost of living is rising, with inflation moving from 4.6 percent in 2015 to over 6 percent already this year,” said Pamla.
Pamla said the poor working class students should not be forced to pay an increase until the Presidential Commission of Enquiry into higher education tables its final report.
“In the absence of such a report, Cosatu believes that the poor students should not be forced to pay but only those from well resourced families should be expected to pay. We are also calling on big business the biggest beneficiaries of our educations system to step up and start funding the education system,” added Pamla.
The federation said it will support the student’s argument that South Africa is in a position to provide free education for vulnerable students.
“Cosatu demands that government should work to reform our education system and also to take a lead in overhauling the funding model of our education system. The federation shall continue to work with students until free education is a reality in this country. Any planned marches that will take place should avoid the unhelpful, violent and criminal behaviour that we have seen in previous protests.”
The federation however said that the destruction of property will not bring about free education and will delay the process as resources will have to be redirected to building damaged infrastructure.
@heidigiokos
Labour Bureau