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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Ms Connie September, has called for more dialogue on the ongoing university fees crisis. “Solutions are best found through dialogue and not through rubber bullets. The Committee is concerned about the loss of life as a result of the protests, the number of injuries and the trail of damage to property which is the most needed infrastructure,” Ms September said. “Universities cannot even plan or implement catch-up programmes in order to salvage what is left of the year.

The Committee is very concerned about this crisis. Even more concerning is the amount of money that will be spent on repairs and refurbishments, money that could have been used to afford more students an opportunity to study at a university,” she said. Since the Minister Dr Blade Nzimande announced fee increases for 2017 students across the country have been up in arms. The announcement by the Minister was that university councils will decided fee increases but could not go beyond 8%. The category of students described as the missing middle and the poor will not be affected by the increases.

Ms September said dialogue brought about democracy in our country, and should be the option we use even now. “Students, parents, academia and all interested parties should be given a voice through dialogue. We want to know from government, based on its analysis and evidence, who must take responsibility to repair damages to infrastructure.”

“South Africa’s economy needs graduates and thus all parties must salvage what is left of the academic year, and that should be balanced with the demands of students. The Committee welcomes any steps that will take the country in the direction of resolving these matters, and such steps should involve communities.

Ms September said Parliament would intensify its oversight role on stabilisation programme and futuristic finance regime for the entire higher education sector. “Government has increased access to higher education by not only opening up Technical Vocational Education and Training colleges, but also providing funding even for the missing middle,” she said.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson, Ms Connie September