Free education for all not possible: Nzimande

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande briefed the media this morning following a meeting with business on how it can assist in funding.

Nzimande stressed that dialogue between all affected parties are needed to ensure stability returns.

The minister explained a report on funding models was presented to government in the hope of addressing funding issues for the poor and the so-called missing middle students.

He, however, stressed that free education for everyone is not possible.

"Free tertiary education for the poor is feasible, including assisting those who may not be defined as poor, but who can also not afford. That we can do. But free education for everyone is a no-no," he said.

Nzimande said government supports the students' struggle, but not their methods.

He added that students should not lose sight of their legitimate demands and allow their cause to be hijacked.

As Nzimande explained, stability isn't just about police on campus.

"The stability is commitment to dialogue and engagement around legitimate issues that have been placed on the table and preparedness to compromise, by the way, where necessary. It can't be that demands are 'it's what we want or nothing'. Being a leader requires that you know when to push forward, when to retreat, when to compromise...that does not mean you are no longer a leader."