Online learning is pivotal in current landscape says Universities SA
With the country's tertiary institutions rocked by another crisis - the CEO of Universities SA believes online learning is the only hope for the academic year.
Ahmed Bawa's been reacting to the ongoing student protests over funding that have forced the closure of some varsities. A national shutdown following calls by the SA Union of Students has entered its second day.
Among other things, students want their debts scrapped, to allow them to register for the 2021 academic year.
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Bawa hopes other issues are resolved soon. "One of the biggest hurdles is the shortfall of funding for NSFAS but as we heard from the minister that has now been resolved. That is a major shift that has occurred."
"Those universities have experience with how to deal with this crisis and I'm hopeful for this end of this week that you will find most student will be registered."
Higher Education Minister - Blade Nzimande - has responded to the union's 15 demands. He says government isn't in a position to financially support tertiary institutions to clear student debts but acknowledges that postgraduate funding needs attention.
