Tax the rich to fund free education: Minister
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande believes South Africa has enough money to provide free education - but only that it sits with the rich.
Nzimande opened a snap debate in Parliament on university funding and transformation.
He says the 0% fee increase announced by President Jacob Zuma last week - means a shortfall of R2-6-billion.
He says the private sector has more resources than government and are in a position to help the situation.
"My own considered view is that government must have the political will to tax the rich and the wealthy to fund higher education. None of us must develop cold feet about the necessity of taxing the rich to fund our children," he says.
IFP MP Mkhuleko Hlengwa says Nzimande has failed to rise to the occasion during the #FeesMustFall campaign instead making jokes that are insensitive.
"The nerve, cheek and audacity of the Minister to quip that students must fall speaks volumes about the lack of seriousness he ascribes to the concerns of the students. This must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
"The honourable minister therefore is insensitive and is indicative of a minister who is out of touch with and detached from reality " he said.
DA leader Mmusi Maimane says government has not prioritised opportunities for young people - calling it the greatest injustice of this era.
He says Nzimande should be held accountable.
"Minister Nzimande, this is not a new crisis. It's a crisis that you've sat on for the last two years. It's dated back since 2010. It set out the funding crisis.
"So, what remains to be true is actually the hashtag must be #BladeMustFall," he said.
The EFF's Mmabatho Mokause says the ANC should have addressed the students quicker.
"Where were you, or perhaps you were doing a 'slayza tsosti' when the students were standing outside - looking for you and your report? Mr Minister, give the students free education.
Stop sending police to the innocent and loyal students of South Africa. You must treat the students like your own children that you take abroad for education," she said.
The ANC's Bongani Mkhongi has condemned what he calls foreign forces who have allegedly funded students to intentionally cause chaos during the campaign.
"Therefore, we call on all young people, especially our students, to be vigilant during these trying times. We know that these foreign forces are using some sections of desperate students, giving them money not to write exams.
"They're mobilising for anarchism and hooliganism to emerge and therefore destabilise our hard-won, peaceful democracy," she said.
(File photo: Gallo Images)