Zuma establishes a Ministerial Task Team to address fees crisis
President Jacob Zuma has established a Ministerial Task Team to assist Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande to normalise the situation at higher education institutions across South Africa.
Protesting students have vowed to shut down universities until their demand for free higher education is met.
Their protests have seen running battles with police, damage to property and numerous arrests.
The 2016 academic year has also been affected, with uncertainty over whether classes will resume.
The Task Team comprises the following:
. The Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Jeff Radebe as Convenor,
. Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Bonginkosi "Blade" Nzimande
. Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor
. Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Advocate Michael Masutha
. Minister of Police, Mr Nathi Nhleko
. Minister of State Security, Mr David Mahlobo
. Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and
. Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Malusi Gigaba.
"We urge all stakeholders including students, university management, parents and religious leaders to cooperate with the Ministerial Task Team to ensure that the future of our children is not jeopardised," President Zuma said.
President Zuma has once again condemned acts of violence and the destruction of property and urged all students to return to class while solutions are collectively sought to the challenges of higher education in the country.