The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande is saddened by the untimely passing of the South African Student Congress (SASCO) Deputy President, Buyile Matiwane. following a short illness.
Minister Nzimande passes his condolences to the Matiwane family, SASCO and the entire progressive student alliance.
Minister Nzimande said the Buyile Matiwane’s passing is not only a loss to SASCO but to the entire Post School Education and Training sectors, because SASCO, as a student movement plays a significantly role in the post school education and training sector.
Minister Nzimande said that since the election of the current leadership of SASCO into office, he has a cordial and frank relationship with the leadership in advancing the interest of student throughout the post school education and training sector. “Such relationship was demonstrated as we were collectively responding to COVID -19 and its aftermath. This includes our decision to provide laptops and data to the students. This process was coordinated seamlessly throughout our institutions,” said Minister Nzimande.
Minister Nzimande said that in honour of Buyile Matiwane, the Department of Higher Education and Training will continues to offer financial support to the children of the working class and the poor through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and that the department will continue to increase the total headcount enrolment in higher education, public and private institution, to 1.62 million as envisaged by the National Development Plan (NDP).
Minister Nzimande said that the Department will also continue to ensure that it finds alternative funding models through the Comprehensive Student Funding Model which will be presented to Cabinet for consideration.
Minister Nzimande said Sasco is an organisation that has given our country great patriots and competent cadres, many of whom carry enormous responsibilities in state institutions and in the business sector.
Issued by:
Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Meiring Naude Road
Brummeria
Pretoria
Enquiries: Ishmael Mnisi 0660378859
