Fees commission report has some good ideas — but ICLs are not one of them
The income-contingent loan (ICL) scheme might work well in developed economies, but not in one as poorly managed and unequal as ours, writes Belinda Bozzoli
After two and a half months of "applying his mind", the President finally released the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training (The Fees Commission Report) on November 13. [The commission was headed by Retired Judge Jonathan Heher.] The 752-page report is a comprehensive account of the submissions made to the commission over its 18-month lifespan, as well as a series of recommendations to the government. It seemingly aims to inform rather than design a new funding model for higher education. Thus, at the end of it all, we are left with no clear proposals for 2018, or even 2019, as student protests loom and the President flirts with his daughter’s ex-boyfriend’s 16-page, R40bn alternative proposal. [That of Morris Masutha.] There are many positive recommendations included in the report that align with the DA’s proposals to the commission. Ensuring any student awarded loan or grant funding has the full cost of study covered, restoring state subsidies to ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.