Cabinet calls on students to return to class
Minister in the Presidency, Jeff Radebe has called on protesting students to return to class.
While addressing the media after the latest cabinet meeting, Radebe said cabinet is concerned that the 2016 academic year cannot be saved.
"This is a critical period for the academic programme with examinations around the corner. Government believes that the concerns of students can be addressed through dialogue while the academic programme is underway," Radebe said.
He added that President Jacob Zuma has further broadened the composition of the Ministerial Task Team looking into students' demands, with the inclusion of Minsters of Communications, Human Settlements, Finance and Social Development.
"Government has received several proposals that have been put forward by various constituencies and stakeholders. A technical process is underway to evaluate them and once work is completed, options will be provided to address the current challenges," he said.
The minister said further steps will be taken to make resources available to all NSFAS qualifying students progressively to cover the full costs of study at universities and TVET colleges over the long term.
"Government will also develop mechanisms to address the challenges faced by "missing middle" students who don't qualify under current NSFAS rules but are unable to afford the full cost of study without some form of assistance. All of these will be phased at a pace and scale that depends on the rate of growth in enrolment and available resources," he said.
Pravin Gordhan
Radebe has voiced government's confidence in, and support for, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and says he remains innocent until proven otherwise.
"Cabinet remains confident in the country's criminal justice system and the fair and just judicial processes which have defined our democratic era. These processes must be allowed to take their course," he said.
When pressed for further comment, Radebe insisted the matter was not discussed at the meeting.
"We did not deal with the merits of what the NPA has decided. Our support is based on the constitution.