'No fees will be end of us'

KwaZulu-Natal tertiary education heads have warned that their institutions could not survive if fees were not increased.

Speaking at the Durban session of the nationwide hearings of the Fees Commission, which convened on Monday and Tuesday, many warned that if fee increases were blocked the institutions would struggle to function.

Fees Commission spokesman Musa Ndwandwe highlighted concerns about the 2017 funding model. "[The universities'] concern is that the level of funding is low and not in line with inflation," he said.

"They say that at this rate it is not sustainable and they cannot sustain another no-fee-increase academic year."

He said students complained that the "exorbitant" fees proposed by universities created an unnecessary burden on them and contributed to inequality.

The commission, chaired by Judge Jonathan Arthur Heher, was appointed by President Jacob Zuma in January. Its mandate is to inquire into, report on and make recommendations about the feasibility of free higher education and training. It is expected to submit a preliminary report to Zuma in November and a full report in June.

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, who undertook to consult tertiary institutions and students on fees , did not respond to queries from The Times.

Two weeks ago Nzimande said a decision on fees should be reached by the end of August.

Student protests continued yesterday at KwaZulu-Natal campuses, with the University of Zululand's main campus cleared as a result.

Saps spokesman Captain Nqobile Gwala said students burnt tyres and blocked roads. A truck belonging to the university was also set alight and a police vehicle was damaged. Eight students were arrested and will appear in court today.

UKZN's Lesiba Seshoka said there were protests at the Howard College and Edgewood campuses yesterday. Part of a coffee shop at Howard College campus was razed on Monday night.