Parliament’s portfolio committee on higher education has heard that 19 universities could become dysfunctional in 2018 if a 0% fee increase\u00a0is carried over for a second year.<\/p>\n
Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande told Parliament on Wednesday that a second consecutive fee increase could be devastating.<\/p>\n
The Council for Higher Education (CHE) indicated that if the 0% fee increases continued, about 19 universities would become dysfunctional in 2018,\u00a0Nzimande revealed.<\/p>\n
If the increase was to be based on the Consumer Price Index, currently at 6%, about 10 universities would be rendered dysfunctional, he said.<\/p>\n
“As yet, no decision has been taken on university fee increases and thus there is no need to threaten closing institutions of higher learning,” committee chairperson Connie September said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Committee notes the advice received from the CHE, but further consultations are still being undertaken, including with the National Treasury.”<\/p>\n
September also voiced satisfaction with the regulatory framework being mooted for fees in the future.<\/p>\n
The National Assembly was due to debate fee increases in the House later on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
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