S/African students clash with police

South African students who were marching to parliament in a protest over a rise in student fees have clashed with police.

Police fired stun grenades as the protesters were trying to force their way into the parliamentary complex.

Proposed tuition fee hikes of between 10% and 12% have sparked protests at universities across the country.

Students have complained that higher fees may exclude poorer black students.

Inside parliament in Cape Town a budget speech by Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene was temporarily halted as members of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters chanted “Fees must fall” - a slogan borrowed from the students.

Student bodies have rejected a government offer to cap tuition fee increases at 6% for 2016, and earlier threatened to close all the country’s universities as protests over tuition fees spread.

At least 10 institutions have so far been affected with some closing until the situation is resolved.

Both #NationalShutDown and #FeesMustFall continue to trend on social media in South Africa.