THE South African Students Congress wants to close down nine universities in their fight for free education for undergraduates.

THE South African Students Congress wants to close down nine universities in their fight for free education for undergraduates.

Sasco announced yesterday during a press conference at Luthuli House in Johannesburg that the University of Venda, University of Limpopo, Tshwane University of Technology, University of Johannesburg, Durban University of Technology, University of Zululand, Walter Sisulu University, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and the University of Western Cape will be closed tomorrow.

On Friday students will march from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology to Parliament to hand over a memorandum to the speaker.

But Tshwane University of Technology spokesperson Gilbert Mokwatedi said their institution would operate normally. "We have not been notified of any strike action. Academic activities will continue as scheduled and we will monitor our campuses."

Sasco general secretary Lazola Ndamase said: "We intend to hand over our memorandum of demand for free education to the Speaker of Parliament.

"We also know that there is an expected National Student Financial Aid Scheme review report and we expect it to direct us towards free education, and if it does not, we will march to the Minister for Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande."

Ndamase said they did not expect free education to fall from the sky but through consultation. "We want the government to have a comprehensive plan next year. If that is to be possible, then we must start talking about it now."

Department of Higher Education spokesperson Ranjeni Munusamy said: "Sasco told the minister about their intention of a peaceful march to raise awareness about their free education campaign. We are not aware that they want to disrupt classes."