Following the recent elections, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a Government of National Unity (GNU). The coalition includes ten parties: ANC, DA, Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, GOOD, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, Vryheidsfront Plus, United Democratic Movement, Rise Mzansi, and Al Jama-ah.
This diverse mix of political parties could lead to negotiations and compromises when it comes to policy making.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Student Command has criticised the new cabinet, particularly the reappointment of Blade Nzimande as Minister of Higher Education. They argue that Nzimande's previous term was marked by mismanagement and inefficiencies within NSFAS, failing to reduce financial barriers in higher education.
The EFF Student Command also voiced concerns about the DA's influence in the GNU, citing the DA's opposition to several pro-poor policies in higher education.
The unholy Grand Coalition of the ANC and the DA is going to be felt most by the students of South Africa. The DA has made it very clear, on many public appearances, that it does not agree with the many transformative and pro-poor policies in Higher Education.
They specifically criticised the DA's proposal to reform NSFAS funding with a loan scheme, which they believe would burden students with debt and increase economic dependency.
The DA's proposed NSFAS funding model includes a tiered system of loans and grants to support low-income students, aiming for sustainability by offering government loans with favourable repayment terms.
Key elements of the DA's proposal are:
- Support for the Missing Middle: Proportional assistance for students who can partially fund their education, bridging the gap between fully funded and self-funded students.
- Scholarships for High Achievers: Non-repayable scholarships for outstanding students to encourage academic excellence.
- Performance-Based Conversion: Loans that can be converted into bursaries based on academic performance, incentivizing students to maintain high academic standards.
- Means-Tested Tuition: Ensuring that only those who truly need financial assistance receive free education.
- Accommodation Funding: Removing the blanket accommodation cap for more realistic housing support.
- Private Sector Collaboration: Working with the private sector to enhance access to funding through bank loans and sponsored scholarships.
While the DA is represented in the National Executive, the party will only have a deputy minister within the DHET. The president appointed Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, formerly the deputy minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, as the Minister of Higher Education.
Nkabane will be supported by Deputy Minister Buti Manamela of the ANC and Mimmy Gondwe of the DA.
