#Feesmustfall quiet in Limpopo
Higher learning institutions in Limpopo have not been seriously affected by the #FeesMustFall protests that are taking place at universities across the country.
POLOKWANE – The protests came after Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande announced there would be no increase for National Student Financial Aid Scheme qualifying students, as well as the so called “missing middle” (students whose families earn less than R600 000 per year).
He left it to universities to determine their own fee increases for 2017, but with a cap at 8%.
“We will continue to look for other ways of supporting financially needy students not covered by NSFAS while a long-term solution is being developed,” the minister said.
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Spokesperson, Willa de Ruyter says the university management is currently reviewing the announcement on the rise in university fees issued by Nzimande; particularly the potential impact on the students and the academic project at TUT. This comes after TUT students in Johannesburg threatened to shut down all TUT campuses in the country.
TUT students will gather at main campus fpr mass meeting to discuss shutting down of all campuses. #Fees2017 pic.twitter.com/cX7h8Lug1a
— Rorisang Kgosana (@therealrorisang) September 20, 2016
She said TUT welcomes the proposed fee support from government that will ensure NSFAS qualifying students, as well as the “missing middle” from households with an income of less than R600 000 per year, will not be exposed to any fee adjustments in 2017 in the higher education sector.
“As a people’s university, TUT understands the plight of the majority of students, who, without financial support, would never be able to fulfil their dream of obtaining a university qualification,” explained De Ruyter.
She further said the university once again called on students to express concerns about the announcement in a responsible manner, within the confines of the law, and without violating the rights of others and that the situation at the university’s campuses in the province remains calm.
De Ruyter added that any decision on fee adjustments for 2017 will reside with University Councils. “TUT has not taken any decision on a fee increase for 2017, thus the next step will be for management to engage with key-stakeholders in order to reach a sustainable solution,” she said.
In view of this, a meeting between the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC) and TUT Management to discuss Minister’s announcement on fee increases for 2017, was scheduled to take place yesterday (Wednesday).
University of Limpopo
University of Limpopo Marketing and Communications Executive Director, Kgalema Mohuba, said everything is running smoothly at their institution and they had a graduation ceremony yesterday (Wednesday) hence this really shows that the #FeesMustFall protests did not affect them at all.
“We are discussing the minister’s statement and we will release a media statement in due course.
Capricorn TVET College
Capricorn TVET College Public Relation Officer, Tumelo Morobi, things are running as usual at their campus.
He added there are internal arrangements to avoid the protests.
University of Venda
University of Venda Director of Communications and Marketing, Takalani Dzaga, said they are yet to meet with leadership of the Students Representative Council (SRC) to discuss Nzimande’s statement.
He added that the situation is calm at the university and there are no signs of protests.
Read more:
Less throwing of rocks, more talking, asks Fees Commission
Wits University shuts down for rest of the week
Youth League blasts Nzimande over hikes
Police fire stun grenades at protesting Wits students
