Zuma to appoint commission of inquiry into transformation at universities

President Jacob Zuma is currently exploring the establishment of a formal commission of inquiry to look into transformation‚ free education and institutional autonomy at institutions of higher learning as well as living conditions of students on campuses‚ the Presidency said on Sunday.

Providing an update on the issues of higher education funding and transformation‚ the Presidency said that the government‚ working with universities‚ was exploring various options to meet the commitment made by President Zuma of a zero% increase in university fees in 2016.

“Each university will be engaged to ensure that practical effect is given to the letter and spirit of the agreement. The agreement was reached during the meeting between Government‚ university vice-chancellors‚ council chairpersons and student leaders on 23 October 2015 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria‚” Presidency spokesman Bongani Majola said.

An announcement would be made once the consultation processes had been concluded‚ he said.

Majola noted that the president had also announced last month that further engagement would take place on matters beyond fees‚ relating to‚ among other issues‚ transformation‚ free education‚ institutional autonomy and living conditions of students on campuses.

“President Zuma is currently exploring the establishment of a formal commission of inquiry to look into the matter‚” he said.

He added that the President had stated that due regard would be given to existing studies that had been undertaken in the field of transformation of higher education‚ including broadening access for students from poor households.

“An announcement on the commission will be made in due course.”