'We couldn’t afford fees in 2015, we cannot afford them today'

Ndzimande is expected to brief the media on his recommendations for the 2017 fee adjustments, while the fees commission - appointed by President Jacob Zuma - looks into the feasibility of free higher education.

Wits SRC Secretary General, Fasiha Hassan said students are adamant that they want free quality education.

“If there is going to be an increase announced today, it cannot be at the brunt of students. We couldn’t afford fees in 2015, we can’t afford them today and we won’t be able to afford them next year,” Hassan said.

Hassan said government and the private sector will need to step up to the plate if Ndzimande announces a fee increment.

“In 2015, government and universities funded the increment. In the same light we are now saying government and the private sector have a role to play. The fact of the matter is that students cannot afford it,” she said.

Hassan said it is sad that they are back at square one after a year of taking to the streets and shutting down universities

“It is a very difficult time for us. A year after we showed the country that we can shake the core of an unjust system, we find ourselves in the same position. Did we take to the streets for nothing?”