Why Free Higher Education is Essential in South Africa
The Debate on Free Higher Education in South Africa
Discuss the current South African Higher Education controversy on the principles of free higher education for all citizens, based on Economic analysis and equity.
However, the debate on whether South Africa should offer free higher education to everyone has elicited relatively much attention. Indeed, after the #FeesMustFall movement, so many have demanded affordable tertiary education. Current policies set by the government have focused on trying to bring costs down, though in an attempt to make tuition affordable for low income households. But the problems are present as to how such initiatives may be sustainable in the long run.
Recent research shows that education for children may not be possible if the government has to offer it for free to everybody. Some analyst have opined that due to the country’s economic position, such lofty goal is not achievable. While the governments of many countries have been keen on providing education to the disadvantaged students, there are fears that this will have long term repercussions on the national coffers.
The beneficial effects for free education lean heavily on the possibilities of performing a convection that the social injustice of the past can be undone. They opine that making higher education more open will create opportunities, break the poverty nexus and reduce the employment risks of graduates. However the critics quickly add that while free education maybe its right, this has to take into consideration the resource equation.
Finally, it comes to an essential question about equal opportunity for education, or financial responsibility. Political players need to introduce free access to consider the advantages balancing within the context of appealing to taxpayers and using the state’s resources. Even as the discussions progress it is important to look for novel ways to overcome the many challenges that can be associated with meeting educational requirements and assuring economic viability.
