The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande rubbished claims that he plans to increase university fees for the 2024 academic year.

In a statement, the Department of Higher Education and Training, reminded the public that the Minister plays absolutely no role in determining the fees of universities. "In accordance with the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, the authority to determine the fees of individual universities rests with University Councils. Therefore, the Minister has no such authority to determine the individual fees of universities and to do so, would be to act ultra vires (beyond his powers) on the part of the Minister," said the Department. However, the department said the Minister usually provides the universities with a framework that should guide how they determine their fee structure. "The Minister does this with the sole intention of ensuring that, in how universities determine their fee structures, students and in particular those from poor and working-class backgrounds, are not adversely affected by the fee determinations of universities."

The Department said Nzimande regarded these allegations as disappointing and somewhat mischievous. "It's disappointing that formal organisations and long-standing media houses, would make public statements on university fees, without first informing themselves on the process of determining university fees. As the department, we remain committed to sharing information that may assist the media, civil society or political organisations or members of the public to understand the intricacies of our country's higher education system. "