Blade Nzimande Responds to SAUS' Demands as National Protests Continue
- Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has responded to the list of demands by the South African Union of Students (SAUS)
- Nzimande stated that the department had budget cuts and are not in a 'financial position' to support tertiary institutions
- The SAUS sent in its list of demands a few days ago amid news of a #NationalShutdown of universities
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After the South African Union of Student (SAUS) shared a memorandum of their list of demands with the Department of Higher Education and Training, Minister Blade Nzimande shared his response.
Nzimande said the department is 'not in a financial position' to be able to support the tertiary institutions in clearing student debt. Nzimande stated that the department is aware of students whose families cannot keep up with fee payments and those who have been affected by the pandemic.
The big 'but' was revealed when Nzimande stated that the department has been subjected to budget reductions. Nzimande added that institutions are doing 'what they can' to assist students and make payment arrangements.
Source: Getty Images
Take a look at the statement shared to Facebook by the department below:
Below are just a few of the responses left under the statement:
Otshepile Queeneth said:
"Why y'all keep posting the same thing... Our issues are not being assessed...Tell blade to go back to the drawing board Sithi fund post-graduate qualifications like you promised too in 2020 .. Scrap this useless NRF."
Mulalo Controlla wrote:
"Until he acts on his response, we will continue with the shutdown of all universities. ACTION is what we want."
Mengayear Mzukulu Kamakheswa Ngcobo commented:
"- We understand
- I support
- I acknowledge
- As soon as they are available...
- Postgraduate funding is an issue...
"THESE ARE THE KINDS OF RESPONSES THAT DOESN'T FIRMLY CONFIRM THAT THE DEMANDS WILL BE ADDRESSED. IT CLEARLY SHOWS THAT WE ARE STILL GONNA WAIT FOR GOD KNOWS HOW LONG."
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that 26 universities in the country will be protesting over the financial exclusion of certain students. The SAUS said over the weekend that the students from the various universities will be protesting over financial exclusion.
The students want historical debt to be abandoned and for their voices to be heard. Reports say the SAUS met with Deputy Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela to share their memorandum of demands.
Social media is buzzing with the news of the #NationalShutdown with mixed opinions being shared and the hashtag at the number one trending spot on Twitter.
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Source: Briefly News
