No-fees plan sure to strain SA’s finances
News over free tertiary education will only serve to sidetrack the Treasury when it is trying to alleviate concerns about the fiscal management of the country
President Jacob Zuma's audacious plans for free tertiary education - apparently drawn up by his prospective son-in-law - have deepened concerns about a "parallel state" operating beyond the normal rules and conventions of government. Experts said the imminent announcement of the plan, devised by Morris Masutha, who is engaged to be married to daughter Thuthukile Zuma, would put unprecedented strain on South Africa's already pinched finances. They said it would undermine the efforts of Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, who is on an international roadshow to assure investors of the country's fiscal discipline ahead of two key rating decisions by the world's leading ratings agencies at the end of this month."It's the Presidency that is working on the matter and looking at various aspects and their implications with respect to the [Heher] report. We're not working with Morris," he said, adding he was unaware of a universal free higher education plan. The country's largest universities are...
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.