MPs say no to ‘free for all’

THE state is not a “free for all”, say MPs who argued against the idea of free higher education yesterday.

They said it was impractical, too costly and could eat up at least a quarter of the country’s GDP if implemented.

MPs yesterday discussed research findings by the parliamentary budget office, which presented to the standing committee on appropriations a fiscal analysis of the cost of higher education in SA and various funding models.

The debate came as the fees commission, now at work in Pretoria, took submissions from various stakeholders.

The committee heard there was a 12% recovery rate of the student loans offered by NSFAS.

For 100% coverage of undergraduate head count enrolments, the state would need more than R250-billion additional funds to meet the funding needs in the medium-term, or over the next three years, according to the study.

The research also found that only 30% of first-year students graduated within three years, while 56% graduated within five years.

Ahmed Shaik Emam of the National Freedom Party said the poor graduation rate was part of the problem. “There is this perception that the state is a cash cow … you just get and get.”

ANC MP Ndabakayise Gcwabaza said he wanted to “plead” with people not to base their argument for free education on fraud and corruption.

“Fraud and corruption is there – we must deal with it and clean it up.

“But the immediate challenge is that fees must fall and it means we must find money that is in the government.

“I don’t agree with a 100% free for all,” said Gcwabaza.

Doreen Senokoanyane (ANC) said the most important focus should be on transformation and addressing inequality.

“On the question of free education, I would say no. It wouldn’t be fair.”