Free higher education is not as easy as A, B, C
SA's universities are braced for turbulent times. An eleventh hour promise by President Zuma vowed that the South African state would provide free education for all - even though the state coffers can't afford it.
Mon, 08 Jan 2018 15:30:13 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- President Jacob Zuma's surprise announcement of free education for low-earning households has left universities and students uncertain about its implementation
- The Student Representative Council at the University of Johannesburg highlights the confusion surrounding the free education promise, as students are still required to pay for registration
- Neighboring universities like Wits University continue with registration as usual, indicating a lack of clarity on how the promise of free education will be realized
South Africa's universities are facing a period of uncertainty as the promise of free education for over 90% of low-earning South African households hangs in the balance. The first day of registration at the University of Johannesburg was marked by tight security and a sense of anticipation. The opposition Economic Freedom Fighters had urged all qualifying students to register regardless of their ability to pay, following President Jacob Zuma's announcement of free education. However, the implementation of this promise remains unclear, leaving many students and university officials in a state of confusion. President Zuma's announcement in December caught many by surprise, as universities were already closed for the year. The Student Representative Council (SRC) at the University of Johannesburg expressed their uncertainty about the implementation of free education, stating that the current registration process still requires payment. While neighboring institutions like Wits University are continuing with registration as usual, the specter of potential chaos looms as the implications of the free education promise unfold. The lack of clarity has left many prospective students in limbo, unsure of how to proceed with their education aspirations amidst financial constraints and conflicting information.
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