EFF plays ‘central’ role in violent student protests, Blade Nzimande charges
What started as a legitimate struggle ‘has been hijacked by elements’ with ‘perverse political agendas’
Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande has charged that the EFF are among the groups that are leading violent student protests across the country. Speaking to ENCA after the medium-term budget policy statement‚ Nzimande said he was disappointed by the violent sights outside Parliament on Wednesday afternoon. "It is an unpleasant sight. We are on the same side as students on the issue of free higher education. For us it is free higher education for the poor with assistance to those who may not be in the category of poor but still cannot be able to afford. Measures announced by the minister of finance show very decisive commitment by government to reach the goal of being able to provide financial assistance to those who need it‚" he said. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan announced an additional R9bn for higher education to further help students that benefit from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas). This increase makes Nzimande’s department among the highest...
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