Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has denied claims suggesting his approval of fee hikes in the tertiary education sector. Contrary to reports indicating a proposal by the minister to permit universities to increase tuition fees by approximately 4.5% and residence fees by 6.5%, Nzimande has stressed that he lacks the authority to determine fees.
He clarified that the power to set fees lies with University Councils, and his role is to offer guidance within a socio-economic framework, with the aim of safeguarding students, particularly those from underprivileged 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 conveyed his disappointment with organizations and the media for issuing public statements without comprehending the fee determination process. The Higher Education Department asserts its ongoing commitment to furnishing information aimed at improving public comprehension of the higher education system.
"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".
How Fee Increases Impact Students
Fee hikes at universities have the potential to disproportionately affect missing middle students, posing a significant impact on this particular group. “Missing-Middle” students refer to individuals whose household income exceeds R350,000 per annum but is below R600,000.
These students don't qualify for NSFAS and struggle to pay their university fees.
Anganathi Jack, a member of the Wits University SRC, criticizes the minister's proposal, deeming it ill-informed and financially burdensome. This criticism comes amidst students grappling with challenges during the registration process for the new academic year.
Some students face obstacles in continuing their studies if they have outstanding debt to the institution, a situation that could worsen with fee increases.
The SRC emphasizes the exorbitant nature of institutional fees but acknowledges the rising operational costs universities incur. Jack warns that even students funded by NSFAS may encounter difficulties covering these increases.
Last year, NSFAS introduced an accommodation cap, and if residence costs rise, the burden of the increment may shift to the students.
