Cosas threatens to shut down schools, universities

Cosas threatens to shut down schools, universities

The Congress of South African Students (Cosas) says it will shut down all high schools and universities in the country if government does not announce free higher education.  

Classroom
Getty Images

Cosas' comments come after its sister body, Sasco, announced their intention of a shutdown. 


"We will support Sasco. We are willing to close schools until we get free higher education," says Macheke. 


Sasco has rejected the Heher fees commission report stating that it was a waste of time. 


The fees commission report says that government cannot afford to offer free higher education to all. 


But, Macheke says the ANC declared free education 10 years ago. 


"We are ready to say we want free education now, it must be implemented now. The first phase should be learners from poor backgrounds who get free education and over time all learners should get free education," he says. 


Macheke says instead of banks giving student loans, they should fund free education. 



"It is a matter of us implementing the plan and finishing off the task," says Moodey, adding, "we will change the political landscape of South Africa moving forward, and that is my last dream."


But Cachalia says the DA needs a fresh approach as he does not "believe anybody should run for four terms".


Meanwhile, the incumbent says he has delivered on his mandate, enjoys widespread support and is therefore confident "that the people will vote for a tried and tested leader".


The 2017 Gauteng Provincial Elective Congress will take place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Saturday.


Show's Stories