Swartz takes firm stand on fees issue

BACK from a lengthy leave of absence, NMMU vice-chancellor Derrick Swartz told students in no uncertain terms at the weekend that fees could not fall.

Last year the university was the scene of rolling mass action by students who formed part of a nationwide protest demanding free education for all. This despite some efforts on the part of the government and universities to shield, in particular, poor students from unaffordable fee increases.

Addressing first-year students and parents, Swartz said his mandate was to ensure that fees remained as low as possible, but that there was no way the university could provide free education.

“It’s just not possible, end of story,” he said.

Speaking on the possibility of student protests, Swartz said, “We will take every legal step to protect and secure and to open universities. There will be no shutdown of universities.”

Swartz’s message could be seen as setting the tone for the university’s stance on the #FeesMustFall movement that found its voice through a legitimate cause two years ago, only later to evolve into a disruptive force that reeked of political and other sinister motives.

His stance will find resonance with parents and students who have consistently demanded that the university remain open to allow students who choose not to protest to go to class.

However, it is likely to be rejected by some students for whom the protest has become a vehicle to fight what is a broader class war on campuses across the country.

So far it is unclear what is to unfold over the next academic year.

Regardless, it is important for all involved, in particular the students, to understand our sobering reality that not one university in this country is able to offer free education for all.

As essential as higher education is, our fiscus simply cannot afford to have no one pay.

It is from this departure point therefore that all involved must engage constructively to find solutions to get more of our young people into university.

Anything else is unrealistic and a costly waste of time.