Question NW2733 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

Whether, with reference to the University of Pretoria that has recently increased its registration fees by around 50%, his department intends to set a benchmark which would prevent institutions of higher learning from implementing exorbitant fee increases, which many South Africans cannot afford; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? MEMORANDUM FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WRITTEN REPLY QUESTION 2733 DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 2/09/2022 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 29 OF 2022 Mrs N I Tarabella Marchesi (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation: [ê457] [Question submitted for oral reply now placed for written reply because it is in excess of quota (Rule 137(8))]: Whether, with reference to the University of Pretoria that has recently increased its registration fees by around 50%, his department intends to set a benchmark which would prevent institutions of higher learning from implementing exorbitant fee increases, which many South Africans cannot afford; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3302E REPLY: In March 2016, the Minister requested the CHE to advise him on a “framework for managing future university fee structures through which increases should be developed and agreed upon”. The CHE undertook the work in two phases: the first phase to make recommendations for increases for the 2017 academic year, and the second phase to recommend a framework for the longer term. The Department with the support of Universities South Africa (USAf) established a Working Group in 2019 and has developed a first draft of a proposal towards a national framework for regulating fees. The proposed proposal towards a framework outlines the background and need for a fee regulation framework as well as the advice received from the CHE to the Minister in 2017. However, the framework requires further engagements with the Minister.  Work is currently continuing on the draft policy framework in 2022, aiming for a final framework and three-year agreement to be approved by the Minister by December 2022.