The Heat: South Africa access to education

The Heat

The proposed tuition hikes in South Africa sparked outrage and have spearheaded a national conversation about the value of higher education and the access of poor students.

The government had proposed a 10 percent tuition increase and a 750 dollar registration fee for the 2016 academic year. That angered thousands of students already struggling to pay tuition.
Students held rallies on university campuses, stormed the Union Buildings in Pretoria and marched to the headquarters of the African National Congress.
South African President Jacob Zuma swiftly gave in to the students’ demands and announced a tuition freeze.

For more analysis CCTV America’s Angelo Coppola reports in Johannesburg.

The Heat spoke with this panel:

  • Ayabonga Cawe, a Development Economist and the co-founder of Rethink Africa.
  • Ebrahim Rasool served as the South African Ambassador to the U.S. and is currently a distinguished scholar in residence at Georgetown University.
  • Khaye Nkwanyana, a Spokesperson for the Ministry of Higher Education and Training.