Free education competing with other government priorities: Nzimande

"Right now we are sitting with a challenge of implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI). We've had to build houses as government. Social grants have played a very crucial role. Socio economic rights in the constitution are very important. I'm not saying we should underestimate that, but it's the question of affordability. Where else is there money in this country that can be able to assist for larger and larger numbers of people?" he asked.

Nzimande was answering questions in front of the Fees Commission in Centurion amidst the crisis at institutions across the country.