Saturday 16 January 2016 17:11
SABC
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande says the issue of free education will be dealt with by the presidential commission.(SABC)
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande says the walk-out by several SRC leaders at talks earlier this week will not derail the formation of a structure to find solutions.
He was addressing the Young Communist League (YCL) in Durban on progress following the #FeesMustFall movement that started late last year.
The structure will comprise of students, university vice chancellors and officials from his department.
Nzimande listed some of the demands presented by student leaders:
"No financial exclusions in 2016. Historic debt must be cleared. Free registration for all. Adequate implementation of NSFAS on campuses. Quarterly report backs from the presidential commission. Additional and better quality residences. Language must never be a barrier."
Nzimande also criticised the sometimes negative perception of TVET or Technical, Vocational Education and Training colleges, saying they play a vital role for students who cannot study at a University:
"What we should aim for as a country is to have 4 TVET college students per 1 university student. Only 30% of students who write Matric go to University. Where does the other 70% go to? Universities are important but we can`t be taking every cent we have to University when most of the kids every year who write Matric they go and sit at home. They have nowhere to go."