Universities SA’s group of vice-chancellors say it hopes registration will proceed unhindered at universities on Monday. This follows President Jacob Zuma’s announcement of free higher education in December 2017.
Most universities in the country and the Department of Higher Education (DHET) have discouraged walk-ins.
Universities SA CEO Ahmed Bawa says that universities and the Department of Higher Education will hold regular meetings to ensure incident free registrations.
“We are hoping very much that the registration process at our universities goes well from tomorrow (Monday) onwards. And that the universities and DHET will meet regularly to try and make sure that the system that has been put in place work well.”
The Department’s Acting Deputy Director-General, Diane Parker, also says learners wishing to further their studies at institutions of higher learning but did not apply in time, will be assisted through the Central Applications Clearing House.
The department is reacting to a call by the Economic Freedom Fighters that those wanting to study and could not afford to before must go and register when universities open.
The Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) has called on those who want to study to present themselves at the University of their Choice for registration.
The EFF Student Command says it’s standing by its call on prospective students to go to universities.
EFFSC president, Phuthi Keetse issued a warning for universities that turn away ‘walk-ins’. “If you anticipate or maybe might anticipate chaos, it is only going to occur where the university is becoming arrogant. If you stop students on the gate you are inviting anarchy.”
Meanwhile student body, Sasco, says no academically deserving student should be denied access to education on the basis of a late application.
Speaking to the media in East London on Friday, newly elected national president, Avela Mjajubana said Sasco members will be visible at all institutions of higher learning to assist students who are still hoping to secure a place at universities.
Majajuba says they also welcome President Jacob Zuma’s announcement on free higher education.
“Walk in are not new phenomenon all institutions must allow for an extension in terms of considering late application and we are saying that we will be on guard because we have seen inconsistency from the department and NSFAS and therefore we are calling for applications to be reopened particularly from NSFAS. And also walk-ins must go to institutions, they will find Sasco comrades that are going to assist them and they have done it before it’s not news in 2018,” says Majajuba.
