Youth league firm on fees moratorium

THE ANC Youth League yesterday contradicted a statement by its mother body that it supported the announcement made by the Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande on an 8% cap on tuition fee hikes next year.

The ANCYL remained steadfast in its position of a moratorium on all university fees pending the outcomes of the Presidential Commission on Free Education.

Speaking at a press briefing at Luthuli House in Johannesburg yesterday, ANCYL secretary-general Njabulo Nzuza accused ANC members of acting contrary to the decision of the national executive council (NEC) that there be a moratorium on all university fees pending the outcomes of the presidential commission on free education.

He said the league strongly condemned deployees of the ANC for acting contrary to the decision.

Nzuza said they would question people who release statements contrary to the position of the ANC on the matter.

In the statement, the ANC commended Nzimande for embarking on the ‘elaborate consultative process on this matter’.

“We further express our appreciation to all stakeholders who participated in the said consultation process and the contribution that this made towards solutions that are being advanced ... Government and universities will continue to seek a lasting solution through the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training with its stated intention to ‘achieve a far-reaching reconstitution of the entire post-school education and training funding system,” said the statement.

Nzuza urged students to protest peacefully and not destroy and burn property.

Yesterday, Nzimande also condemned violent student protests at some universities.

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