UCT reveals plans for 8% fee increase, says no increase would be “devastating”

With Fees Must Fall 3.0 firmly underway at the University of Cape Town (UCT), lectures continue to be disrupted and police continue to make arrests as they clash with protesting students. With all of this going on, UCT Vice-Chancellor Max Price had been providing an update at a press conference on Thursday. Price revealed that, as we thought, a fee increase is on the cards.

News24 reports that a group of around 200 students continued to disrupt academic activity at the university.  SAPS on scene used stun grenades and arrested one protester who was attempting to damage the university’s shuttle service.

Earlier in the morning, part of the university’s  computer science building was covered with faeces that had been dumped on the floor.

Regarding the fees, Price revealed that UCT is proposing an 8% fee increase and a 10% residence fee increase. The Vice-Chancellor went on to say that it would be devastating for the university if fees are not increased.

“The university has engaged with the national government to see whether the increase can be covered by the state.”

“There’s no reason for students to disrupt the university’s academic activity,” he said.

Social media was also sent into an uproar as Price explained that R24 million has been spent on private security for the 2017 academic year. Part of that cost was covered by insurance.

“We need to especially protect our laboratories where chemicals can be dangerous for staff and students if intruded.”

Price also explained that the university remains open to meeting with students and talking about the various issues. This past Sunday, the presidency stated that discussions are underway with ministers regarding the content of the Fees Commission report.

A copy of the report had previously been obtained by City Press, the report stated that the country cannot afford free higher education.