Education
Angry crowds loot shops in waves immigrant targeted violence
South Africa's President Jacob Zuma ruled out fee increases for universities next year following a week of nationwide protests by students that culminated in a mass gathering outside the main government offices on Friday.
Universities had proposed fee hikes of up to 11.5 percent next year, arguing they need higher fees to keep up standards.
Previous negotiations have led to the government agreeing to reduce the rise in fees from more than 10 percent to six percent, but that had failed to satisfy protesters.
Critics say the increases would have further disadvantaged black students, who are already under-represented in universities. But many of the protesting students have argued even before the proposed hike fees were too high.
On Friday, thousands of demonstrators demanding lower fees took to the streets across the country, with some trying to break down the perimeter fence surrounding the presidency office building in Pretoria.
At least 15 of about 20 South African universities countrywide have been hit by the protests dubbed #FeesMustFall on Twitter.
The protests came a day after demonstrators stormed the University of Johannesburg.
On Wednesday, about 30 students were arrested after protesters stormed the parliament precinct in Cape Town to try to disrupt the reading of Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene's interim budget.
Protester Shaka Sisulu told Al Jazeera: “There has been an increased amount of activism, particularly on campuses this year and it has increasingly been informed by an ideological position that is really positive — that is talking about a young South Africa.”
Referring to plans for fees to rise as much as 11.5 percent, Zuma said in a statement on Thursday that: “Nobody disagrees with the message that students from poor households are facing financial difficulties and possible exclusion.”
ANC leaders have blamed university administrators for the higher fees.
“The ANC say a unilateral decision was made — with no thought to the plight of students,” Miller said.
“But it is the government who funds the national student financial aid scheme, to the tune of $4 billion.”
A major protest was also held in Cape Town on Thursday, where students clashed with police.
Al Jazeera and Reuters
Since Oct. 13, protests have spread to at least 15 South African universities over plans to raise student fees
Students attempt to storm parliament and campuses close amid protests over planned college tuition increases
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