Fees Commission still aiming for May deadline
The commission appointed by President Jacob Zuma - to look at free higher education - said on Wednesday it has not yet finalised its recommendation to the president.
"There will have to be some serious consideration given to the fact that the more students you pour into education and the less money you have, the more likely you are to reduce the quality of the education," the commission's Judge Jonathan Heher said.
Heher addressed the media in Pretoria amidst renewed protests by scores of students at various universities for free, quality higher education.
He said the commission is aware of calls that it should table its report before the May deadline.
"Now can we bring that forward? It depends on what the evidence leaders find is available by way of evidence, but at this stage there is a set time table, which I am not prepared to interfere with," he said.
When asked about possible alternatives of funding, Heher said they looked at various options raised at public hearings, including the role corruption plays when it comes to taxpayers' money.
"It is a sentiment that has been put to us by several presenters. It appears to be a perfectly justified sentiment. Everybody knows that government isn't as efficient as it should be."