SANCO welcomes commission of inquiry into student fees
The South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) has welcomed the announcement by Minister in the Presidency, Jeff Radebe, that a commission of inquiry into student fees would be established.
Sanco spokesman Jabu Mahlangu said in statement: “The terms of reference to be announced by President Jacob Zuma when he reveals the commissioner in the next few days will give us an indication as to extent to which we are advancing towards opening the door of learning wider for the working class and the poor.”
He said the inquiry should unfold in an “inclusive and transparent manner” and he hoped it would see transformation across the board in higher education and “accelerate free education from Grade R to undergraduate degree”.
He said that the issue of outsourcing was a sore spot at most universities because it perpetuated the exploitation of workers and should also form part of the commission’s terms of reference.
On Wednesday, Minister of Higher Education, Blad Nzimande indicated that an additional amount of R19.7 billon was needed to ensure higher education was properly funded.