NEWCASTLE – Working graduates are taking centre stage in 2016, as universities and government undertakes to tackle issues of insufficient funds available for higher education.
Related article: SARS is after NSFAS debt defaulters
Early in the month, the Advertiser reported that the South African Revenue Services (SARS), in collaboration with National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) would be tracking student loan defaulters in efforts to get back loans.
On July 25, a proposal by Universities South Africa hit the news, with the university’s representative suggesting that graduate tax be introduced to help fund free higher education.
The recommendation comes as the country recovers from the #FeesMustFall protest action by university students in solidarity with former students.
Funding from the Department of Higher Education and Training continues to be reduced annually, resulting in more budding university students struggling to pay tertiary fees.
Student loan defaulters haven’t helped matters much, with many working graduates completely refusing to repay NSFAS loans as they claim the money would go straight into the hands of allegedly corrupt government officials.
A Newcastle based Magistrate employee told the Advertiser she was repeatedly discouraged by peers from repaying her NSFAS loan, as it was argued that the money would just be ‘misused by corrupt officials at NSFAS’.
However, the graduate said she would do the right thing because it would contribute to helping another financially disadvantaged individual needing an education.
Although a Fees Commission was established by President Jacob Zuma following the economically crippling fees must fall protests, and a no fees increase implemented in 2016 by government, a solution to the issue is far from being achieved.
Ahmed Bawa, CEO of Universities SA, noted that irrespective of when former students studied, employed graduates should make some contribution to the fees of those coming after them and new funding tactics are necessary to achieve a free higher education system.
What do you think about the proposed graduate tax? Comment below.
