Universal free tertiary education will not be feasible in the foreseeable future, and different funding models should be adopted to ensure access for all deserving students, according to the Heher commission’s recommendations.
The long-awaited 748-page report by the commission of inquiry into higher education and training – which City Press has in its possession – has instead suggested a multipronged and multilayered approach which will take into account South Africa’s struggling economy and competing demands on the fiscus.
Headed by retired judge Jonathan Heher, the commission was set up following the first eruption of the #FeesMustFall protests two years ago. The report examined 20 different scenarios of funding compiled by evidence leaders.
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Among the main recommendations of the Heher commission report are:
- A “cost-sharing model”, in terms of which the government commits to spending a fixed 1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) to subsidise universities, with students paying fees according to a “fair and affordable” structure regulated by the Council on Higher Education.
- An “income-contingent loan” (ICL) system, in terms of which students would repay their debt based on their post-qualification salaries. This would, in effect, replace the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas).
In terms of the ICL-based system, there will be some students who receive a free education because their careers will not reach a threshold that triggers a repayment obligation.
- The total scrapping of registration fees – a long-term bone of contention that fuels protests at the beginning of each year.
- A “fee-free” structure for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students, who tend to come from poorer backgrounds, with 100% funding coming from the department of higher education and training.
- The introduction of a stipend for TVET students.
- Ring-fencing R50bn from the surplus in the Unemployment Insurance Fund for infrastructure spending on the TVET sector, which looks after vocational and training colleges.
- Increasing the government subsidy for the university sector to 1% of GDP.
- Channelling unclaimed pension benefits into the university sector to stabilise the ICL system.
- The establishment of an education fund for companies, individuals and international aid organisations to donate money towards higher education.
- That universities intensify their efforts to raise money from their alumni, as is the case in developed countries.
- That Sector Education and Training Authorities be streamlined and made efficient, and that savings be channelled to improving teaching and curriculum development at TVET colleges.
