THE African Transformation Movement (ATM) has rejected the proposed fee increase at institutions of higher learning.
In a statement on Friday, 12 January, the party said the hikes would distress poor students who were already struggling to pursue their education.
“The ATM strongly condemns the alleged proposal by the Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande, to increase tuition and residence fees by 4,5% and 6,5%, respectively,” said ATM spokesman Zama Ntshona.
He said while the increase may be framed as routine, they continue a cycle of financial strain on students and their families. Ntshona said his party was shocked by the potential impact it will have on students’ access to quality education.
“Universities may attempt to strike a balance between affordability and quality education, but the proposed hike indicates a lack of consideration for the economic challenge facing South Africa,” he said.
Nzimande is proposing a 4,5% increase for both tuition and residence fees between 2025 and 2027.
The South African Union of Students (SAUS) has also rejected the fee increase and said it will exclude students funded by various schemes.
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Deputy secretary-general Asive Dlanjwa claimed that a fee increase would exclude poor students who rely on funding schemes such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) from accessing universities.
Nzimande and Nsfas board chairman, Ernest Khosa, have been accused of corruption. Opposition parties and other civil organisations have since called for Nzimande’s dismissal. Khosa has stepped down as board chairman.
Ntshona said ATM was urging the minister to reconsider his proposal and engage with all stakeholders, including student representatives.
“The proposed fee hike Minister Blade Nzimande have reignited concerns reminiscent of the #FeesMustFall movement, a powerful advocacy initiative that aimed to make education accessible to all. It is disheartening to witness that the ideals championed by these activists, who sought equitable and affordable education, have not translated into a systematic change. Instead, some of these dedicated individuals faced academic exclusion, imprisonment and targeted actions for their advocacy,” he said.
ATM further called on Nzimande to speak to the Nsfas board to sort out unpaid 2023 allowances that remained unpaid to over 23 000 students.
