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‘Betrayal of the Poor’: MK Party Condemns DA-ANC Coalition Over Fee Freeze Deferral
The MK Party has strongly criticized the DA-ANC coalition government for deferring the 0% fee increase for tertiary education in 2025, describing it as a “direct betrayal” of South Africa’s poor and working-class youth. The decision, according to the party, denies access to higher education for millions, exacerbating inequality and prioritizing fiscal austerity over social progress.
In a scathing statement, MK Party National Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela accused the government of abandoning its commitment to education as a fundamental right.
“This decision is nothing short of a betrayal. It reflects a government more concerned with balancing budgets than ensuring access to higher education for millions of young people,” Ndhlela said.
The MK Party criticized the DA-ANC coalition for perpetuating systemic inequality, arguing that the deferral disproportionately affects black students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“By abandoning the principles of free education, this government is actively denying poor students the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. Education is the key to economic emancipation, yet the government seems determined to keep it locked away from those who need it most,” Ndhlela added.
Reigniting #FeesMustFall Frustrations
The deferral of the fee freeze has rekindled frustrations from the #FeesMustFall movement, which fought for free and accessible higher education. The MK Party views the government’s decision as a reversal of hard-won gains.
The party also highlighted sobering statistics to underscore the scale of the crisis:
- 120,000 students were unable to register last year due to unpaid fees.
- 60% of households cannot afford tertiary education without financial aid.
- The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) remains underfunded, failing to meet the growing demand.
Demands for Change
The MK Party has issued a list of demands, including:
- Reinstating Free Higher Education: For students from poor and working-class backgrounds.
- Increased NSFAS Funding: To bridge the gap for struggling students.
- Accountability: Calling on Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane to take responsibility for delays in implementing the fee freeze.
“This is not just about fees; it’s about the future of South Africa,” Ndhlela emphasized.
The party accused the DA-ANC coalition of being out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary South Africans.
“The DA-ANC coalition is proving they are out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary South Africans. This betrayal will go down in history as yet another example of government putting profits before people,” Ndhlela said.
The MK Party is urging South Africans to join their fight for free and accessible education, reaffirming their stance that education should be a right, not a privilege.
“We will continue to push for policies that put the needs of the people first,” Ndhlela concluded.
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