Wits, UJ students join forces against proposed fees increase

Students of the University of Witwatersrand and University of Johannesburg (UJ) joined forces and continued to protest against the proposed rise in tuition fees.

UJ students also decided to support the #FeesMustFall campaign against proposed higher tuition fees for next year at various institutions of higher learning.

The campaign against the proposed fee increase started at Wits University on 13 October, and has since escalated to other institutions across the country. Wits University suspended all lectures for a week, and is expected to convene classes on 26 October.

Higher education minister Blade Nzimande’s announcement on 19 October that an agreement had been reached to reduce the increase of fees by six percent was met with anger and frustration by the students. They rejected the offer and vowed to continue protesting for a no fee increase. The police kept a watchful eye as the students marched to Luthuli House, the African National Congress head offices, in what was termed #JHBShutDown by the students.

Wits student and Voice of Wits Radio presenter, Boitumelo Mmakou shared the students’ sentiments.

“As an undergrad, my parents had to scrape what they could to pay my fees,” she said. “Because firstly, I did not qualify for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, and secondly I guess I wasn’t smart enough for a bursary or scholarship. I was grateful to them [parents] when I graduated, not everyone’s parents can manage or afford to pay Wits fees.”

Mmakou added that as a postgraduate and paying her own fees at Wits she realised just how much money students needed to further their studies. “Wits fees need to fall so that I can afford to complete my studies.”

Some celebrities have also shown their support for the #FeeMustFall campaign. Songwriter and singer Simphiwe Dana and AKA, who’s real name is Kiernan Forbes took part in the protest on 19 October.