Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has announced there will be no university fee increase for next year.
The announcement followed a meeting between the president, varsity student representative councils, vice chancellors, representatives of national student organisations and members of university councils after a week of #FeesMustFall protests at campuses across South Africa.
“I’ve received a briefing from student leaders on matters of concern to them, on fees, transformation as well as matters relating to the living conditions of students,” Zuma told the nation during a live broadcast from the Union Buildings.
“I have also listened to the views of vice chancellors and chairpersons of university councils. The meeting agreed that government needs to lead a process that goes beyond fees.”
The exam period has also been postponed to compensate for the time lost, he said.
Further issues, which formed part of “long term package of issues raised” at the would also be followed up, including free education, institutional autonomy and black debt, to mention a few.
“Government understands the difficulties faced by students from poor households, and urges all affected to find long term solutions to ensure access to education.”
IOL
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