THE South African Students Congress (Sasco) said it has requested an urgent meeting with Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande.
They said this is to discuss the alleged reports of increase in university fees for the 2024 academic year as well as state of readiness.
The congress expressed concerns over the hiking of universities tuition and accommodation fee increment plans for 2024, citing this an act against the call for free education as it immensely disadvantages the children of the working class and the poor.
Furthermore, the congress said there are several burning issues that need to be ironed out, including corruption, and warned that if these matters are not addressed, they will mobilise students to protest.
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Sasco spokesman Mangaliso Nompula said even though they welcome the decision of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) chairman, Ernest Khosa stepping aside, they further call on the board to deliver on the decisions previously taken by the board and conclude any outstanding payments to students for the year 2023.
Meanwhile, the Department of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation dismissed claims that Nzimande plans to increase university fees for 2024.
The department's spokesman, Veli Mbele, said the minister has no authority in determining individual university fees.
“We wish to remind the public that the minister plays absolutely no role in determining the fees of universities,” said Mbele.
He said Nzimande regards the reports as disappointing and somewhat mischievous.
The minister is expected to brief the media and the public on Sunday, 14 January, on the implementation of the first phase of the Comprehensive Student Funding Model which will target students in the missing middle category.
