Work together to solve student issues: Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa made reference to the violent protests that erupted at several campuses across the country and province this week during his State of the Nation Address in Parliament last night.

The President sent his condolences to the family of Durban University of Technology student, Mlungisi Madonsela who died after being shot, allegedly by a security guard, outside the Steve Biko campus on Tuesday.

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Students are angry over funding, registration and accommodation issues. Ramaphosa says national funding scheme NSFAS will be a priority in 2019.

"Stabilising the business processes of NSFAS will also be a priority in the coming year so that it is properly capacitated to carry out its critical role in supporting eligible students."

He reiterated that free higher education is being phased in over a period of five years until all undergraduate students who meet the criteria stand to benefit.