Dr Mncube talks #FeesMustFall
He said as much as he believes that fees must fall, highly specialised qualifications need to be paid for.
The Former chairperson of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) Dr Steven Mncube has added his voice to the ongoing discussions on the #FeesMustFall movement.
Dr Mncube is a Senderwood resident.
He said universities need to know what their core business in a developing country is.
“That core business must then be in line with the National Development Plan which aims to have eradicated poverty and reduce inequality by the year 2030,” said Dr Mncube.
He said as much as he believes that fees must fall, highly specialised qualifications need to be paid for.
“We need to differentiate between two streams and negotiate accordingly. Core curriculum must be made free. We are in a developing society and universities need to analyse how they can serve the poorest of the poor as well as those wanting to study or train for highly specialised qualifications. Also, I believe that institutions can raise funds from partnerships with with the business sector. We need political leaders to think outside the box as well if we are to find a solution to the issues pertaining this movement,” said Dr Mncube.
Following nation-wide protests by university students demanding free higher education, the President Jacob Zuma established a ministerial task team to look into the feasibility of free tertiary education.
In January this year, Pres Zuma launched a commission of inquiry into higher education and training.
The commission’s first sitting was on August 10 in Pretoria.
Between August and September, the commission will host public hearings at different cities in the country including Nelspruit, Durban, East London, Thohoyandou and Cape Town.
Dr Mncube said the the task team should look into practical solutions.
“Now is the time for political leaders to think outside the box and provide practical solutions,” said Dr Mncube.
“We need all hands on deck from government, business and universities themselves. Our students must also continue to engage on the matter,” he said.
