Parliament – Close to a million matriculants could lose their placements in universities and colleges should the academic year not be concluded, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe said on Thursday.
Briefing journalists from Pretoria, Radebe said the disruptions at universities due to the #FeesMustFall protests which have shut down universities will have a dire effect on matriculants, students and ultimately the economy.
“If the academic year is lost and the universities and colleges do not reach a finality this year, almost a million matriculants will not be admitted into higher education,” he said.
The ripple effect is such that all students from first year to final year would be affected and ultimately the economy as no new skilled graduates will enter the job market. Consequently, those who would have graduated as medical doctors, engineers, accountants, teachers and various other professions will no longer be in a position to enter the economy.”
Radebe reiterated government’s call that students’ concerns be dealt with through dialogue while the academic programme is allowed to continue.
African News Agency