South Africa: Student Protests - Only the Start of Greater Pain

analysis

Despite government efforts, we should have seen the most recent student protests coming. The country is fractured, still disadvantages the majority, and even if temporary measures quell current protest, it will not be the end, says GREG NICOLSON.

Announcing his recommendation on fee increases last week, Minister Blade Nzimande was careful to list efforts in higher education and training. Despite the struggling economy, his department's budget would rise from R42-billion in 2015/16 to R55-billion in 2018/19. Government paid R1.9-billion of the R2.3-billion shortfall after the state said no students would pay tertiary fee increases in 2016. More than R4.5-billion was re-prioritised to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) this year. The National Skills Fund has allocated almost R1.4-billion for 2016.

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