Jeff Radebe: 'Debate around free higher education - a priority'

It comes as the Higher Education Ministry was on Friday expected to announce a tuition fee increase at tertiary institutions for 2017 - but the press briefing was called off at the last minute with the department saying more consultations need to take place.

The proposed increase for 2016 was scrapped after students countrywide put pressure on the government through the Fees Must Fall movement.

Speaking at the start of the 4-day Lekgotla in Pretoria, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe said the debate around free higher education was a priority.

"Obviously, we are going to be dealing with this matter. As Minister Nzimande highlighted yesterday that we need to give time to this consultation process, as also highlighted by the statement of the governing party over the past four days in Pretoria."

Last week, student organisations threatened to embark on nationwide protests if universities announced a fee increment for 2017.