Universities SA wants 'clear commitments' on fees report
Universities South Africa has called on government to provide a clear road map on higher education fees, warning of possible instability during final exams.
Universities South Africa (USAf) has called on President Jacob Zuma to provide a 'clear road map' in terms of how government plans to address concerns around tertiary fees.
USAf expressed concern over the leaking of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education Funding and Related Issues report to the City Press newspaper.
Professor Ahmed Bawa, CEO of USAf, says their biggest concern is the stability at South Africa's 26 universities and other institutions of higher learning.
Should the presidency fail to provide a plan of action, Bawa believes "the uncertainty would just lead to further instability".
He says this is especially important as instability could jeopordise many students' final exams.
"There’s need now for cool heads, responsible actions and clear commitments to safeguard the successful participation of students in the examinations process and to protect the higher education system as an engine for social mobility, economic growth and social renewal," reads a statement by USAf.
According to the City Press article, the 748-page report found that free tertiary education will not be feasible in the short term, among others.
The presidency says President Jacob Zuma plans to release the report this week.