SA student union opposes proposed 4.5% university fee hike

VAAL TRIANGLE - Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, says he has become aware of false reports that he intends to increase university fees for this academic year. He has proposed that South Africa’s 26 universities increase tuition and residence fees by 4.5% and 6.5% respectively. The department’s spokesperson, Veli Mbele, says the minister plays absolutely no role in determining the fees of universities as this lies with the University Councils, but gives guidance.

Meanwhile the South African Union of Students has opposed Nzimande’s proposed 4.5% fee hike for tertiary institutions from 2025 to ’27. SAUS deputy secretary-general, Asive Dlanjwa, argues this increase would diminish the number of students covered by funding schemes, disproportionately impacting disadvantaged students. With an anticipated 10% budget cut for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme this year, Dlanjwa warns raising fees could place additional financial strain on beneficiaries, further hindering access to education for those in need.

PHOTO: (Supplied)