Student Voice - Fees Must Fall The Struggle Continues
Universities South Africa says that the
short-notice plan by President Jacob Zuma to
provide free education for first-year students
does not solve key concerns of the Fees Must
Fall movement.
“This is not a fee-free system‚ but a positive
extension of NSFAS [National Student Financial
Aid Scheme] to disadvantaged students. It is
still a fee-based system. It does not solve key
concerns raised through Fees Must Fall protests
by students. It’s still not free education for
all as those who do not qualify for NSFAS or
have not applied will not get funding‚” said
Professor Ahmed Bawa‚ chief executive officer of
Universities South
Africa (USAF). USAF‚ an organisation that
represents universities‚ was thrown off by the
lack of consultation by the president in
his decision.
“We are annoyed that we were not consulted
before the decision was made. We needed at least
a year to go through the strategy and implement.
But if the system works it will be a huge boon
for our students. This is a huge advance for
students as long it will be sustainable with a
delivery mode that works‚” Bawa said
