Parliament, Thursday, 8 June 2017 – The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has called on the Department of Higher Education and Training to ensure that investigations into the reported alleged solicitation of money to secure a place at university medical schools should encompass all medical schools.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Ms Connie September, said the sale of positions to study at tertiary institutions is condemned in the strongest possible terms.
“It is important to understand how widespread this activity is in our university system. This unacceptable thieving needs to be investigated, with perpetrators brought to book. Where evidence of this action is found, strong action needs to be taken,” Ms September said.
“This kind of action puts at a disadvantage a number of deserving students who might qualify by way of final matric results. Tuition fees in the medical field are so expensive on their own, and now there is this extra burden to secure a place,” she said.
Media reports on the weekend indicated that places at the University of KwaZulu-Natal medical school were being sold for R500 000. Ms September said this action is nothing more than privatising the medical field and alienating students from poor backgrounds.
“The discourse should be in line with what the Fees Commission and government are looking to achieve, which is an investigation into the feasibility of free higher education right up to the first degree,” she said.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMITTEE, MS CONNIE SEPTEMBER
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Sibongile Maputi (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8041
Cell: 061 413 2506
E-mail: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour