Exploring impact of fee-free education on student protests

IN A thought-provoking address, Durban University of Technology (DUT) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, explored the national context and sub-culture behind student protests stemming from the fee-free higher education policy.

- THOBEKA NGEMA [e-mail]

While this initiative was designed to alleviate financial barriers for students, it has also led to a series of challenges that threaten the quality of education and the stability of academic institutions.

Mthembu raised this in his State of the University Address earlier this week.

Mthembu said the announcement of fee-free higher education by former President Zuma in mid-December 2017 came as a surprise, shortly after DUT’s council had approved the university's budget.

“We cautioned then that there would be major negative ramifications of that decision,’ Mthembu said.

He said the decision was a welcome move given the perennial challenges of access to higher education, which had always largely affected students from poor households. So, access would be broadened, but in a regulated way.