ANC still looking at free higher education model
The African National Congress (ANC) has not yet agreed upon on a model for free tertiary education.
ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member Naledi Pandor briefed journalists on health and education discussions at its recent policy conference.
"Government on its own will not be able to provide the levels of support that are anticipated," says Pandor.
She says while no formal policies have been drafted, a public/private partnership for free higher education was stressed during discussions.
"Free higher education for the poor includes subsidising costs of study, which includes tuition fees, accommodation, meal, provision for transport and essential study materials or learning resources," says Pandor.
A consolidated report of two commissions on Education and Health as well as Science, Technology and Innovation have been released.
Pandor says both commissions, which comprised about eight hundred people, comprehensively discussed all issues and recommendations that were presented to them, including those that emanated from reports from branches, regions and provincial workshops and councils.
According to Pandor, delegates endorsed most of the proposals and recommendations that were tabled to the National Policy Conference in the official discussion document.