The Gauteng branch of the ruling party said protesting students have‚ “through disciplined activism”‚ drawn attention to “an important question of transformation at our universities”.
The African National Congress in the province said in a statement that it adds its “voice in support of these brave young people who staged protests” against fee increases.
“We believe that the actions of the students at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg can be used as a catalyst to achieving the required transformation‚” it said.
“These young people have given the country a wake-up call‚ showing us that transformation in tertiary institutions is a necessity that must be dealt with‚ now.
“The issue of high fees is not one that can be deferred to tomorrow. As a country we must discuss the possibility of a fee-free higher education now.”
The party said it urged both “university managements” and “relevant government departments” to addressing “the immediate needs of students”.
“A long-term solution must be found to improve the quality of education of poorly resourced universities elsewhere in the country. This will lessen the pressure on universities in major cities.”