Wits sets fees hike announcement for December

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Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has left the fees decision in universities' hands and promised the government was committed to finding resources to support children of all poor, working- and middle-class families so they can access higher education.

But this sparked a second wave of anti-fee protests that have lasted for about three weeks and have seen universities around the country suspending lectures, with others closing campuses.

Wits spokeswoman Shirona Patel said on Sunday the institution would only announce its 2017 fee increases in December.

The university was set to resume lectures on yesterday and said it was committed to completing the 2016 academic year and ensuring that students write exams.

However, strict measures have been put in place to ensure that there are no disruptions on campus. This included "rigorous control" of access to its campuses and vehicle checks. All staff and students are also required to carry access cards on them.

The institution warned that anyone carrying rocks, stones or weapons would be disarmed immediately and could face suspension. Anyone arrested could also be suspended immediately.

The University of Pretoria said no decision had been made yet on a fee increase.

The University of Cape Town said it had not yet decided on the fee increase. It did not indicate when such an announcement would be made.

Lectures at UCT would remain suspended on Monday.

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University said it would only announce its decision on fee increases after engagement with students, as well as a discussion and a decision by its council.

Spokeswoman Zandile Mbabela said operations had resumed on Friday and classes would start again on Monday.

Extending the shutdown would "negatively impact the academic performance of students and put at risk the ability to complete their studies", she said.

The situation at the university's north and south campuses became volatile on Friday and the university was reluctant to resume classes there. The two campuses, both in Summerstrand and comprising the former University of Port Elizabeth and the erstwhile PE Technikon, would remain closed on Monday.

Rhodes University said engagements with stakeholders regarding the fee increase were ongoing and no decision had been taken.

Spokeswoman Catherine Deiner said the university's academic programme was ongoing and would continue on Monday.

Department of Higher Education spokesman Harold Maloka said it continued to engage with stakeholders, including universities, to resolve the protests.

Source: Business Day