The MK Party has strongly condemned the DA-ANC coalition for its decision to defer the planned 0% fee increase for tertiary education in 2025, labeling the move a “direct betrayal” of South Africa’s youth, particularly those from poor and working-class backgrounds. The party argues that the deferral not only deprives millions of young South Africans access to higher education but also deepens the divide between the country’s privileged and marginalized communities. The MK Party has voiced concern that fiscal considerations are being prioritized over the future of the nation’s youth, accusing the coalition of neglecting the fundamental right to education.
Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the MK Party’s National Spokesperson, criticized the government for its failure to honor promises made to students and their families. He characterized the decision as a reflection of a government more concerned with balancing its budget than investing in the future of its citizens. “This decision is nothing short of a betrayal,” Ndhlela stated, emphasizing the way in which the policy further entrenches a system where education remains a privilege for a select few, rather than a universal right for all South Africans. His remarks echoed the frustrations of many who have long fought for accessible and equitable education for all.
The recent move has reignited memories of the #FeesMustFall protests, with many viewing the deferral as a reversal of the hard-won progress achieved during that movement. The MK Party argues that the decision disproportionately affects black students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, who are already struggling with systemic barriers that hinder their ability to access higher education. By failing to address these inequalities, the coalition has been accused of undermining the socio-economic transformation that South Africa desperately needs to address its legacy of inequality.
Ndhlela warned that this policy shift could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s long-term development. “By abandoning the principles of free education, this government is actively denying poor students the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty,” he said. The MK Party underscores that education is the key to economic emancipation and that denying young people the means to access it only perpetuates the cycle of disadvantage. For the party, this decision represents more than just a policy error—it is a barrier to economic equality and social mobility.
The MK Party has also pointed to disturbing statistics that illustrate the severity of South Africa’s higher education crisis. Last year, over 120,000 students were unable to register due to unpaid fees, while tuition costs continue to climb. A 2024 study found that 60% of households in the country cannot afford tertiary education without financial assistance, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) continues to be underfunded, leaving many students without the support they need. These figures paint a bleak picture of the educational landscape and underscore the urgent need for government intervention to address the systemic barriers preventing access to higher education.
In response to what it sees as a critical failure in policy, the MK Party has issued a list of demands. These include the reinstatement of free higher education for disadvantaged students, an increase in NSFAS funding to meet the growing demand, and accountability from Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane for the delays in implementing the fee freeze. Ndhlela has emphasized that this issue is not just about tuition fees but about the future of the nation. “The government’s failure to address these issues threatens to trap an entire generation in poverty and unemployment,” he warned. The MK Party has vowed to continue its fight for a system where education is treated as a right, not a privilege, and is calling on South Africans to rally behind the cause to ensure that the dreams of millions of young people are not crushed by political neglect.