Wits University’s management issued a statement late on Thursday in support of its students’ demands for more funding for higher education.

“The University agrees with its students that everyone has an equal right to access higher education. Wits’ Senior Executive Team will continue to lobby government‚ the private sector and other stakeholders to look at ways to resolve this crisis as soon as possible‚” the university’s management said.

Vice-Chancellor Adam Habib will lead a delegation of vice-chancellors to the Union Buildings on Friday to meet with President Jacob Zuma and student leaders. “He is committed to working with all stakeholders to develop creative solutions to the short- and long-term funding issues.”

“Wits has heard the voices of its students and recognises the financial burdens that they face. In this regard‚ Council has made several concessions pertaining to the upfront payment‚ the 2016 fee negotiation process‚ discounts for NSFAS and financially stressed students and the implementation of austerity measures.

“The negotiation table is open to the student leaders and we are hopeful that they will take the opportunity to work with us to find a speedy resolution to this important issue‚ especially since our examinations are only ten days away.

“This is of utmost concern to the University’s management as it is in everyone’s best interests for the academic programme to resume urgently.”