Commission of Inquiry into higher education funding and other issues appointed

President Zuma has appointed a Commission of Inquiry into higher education funding and other issues. The chairperson is the Honourable Justice Jonathan Arthur Heher, a former judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal. He will be assisted by Advocate Gregory Ally and Ms Leah Thabisile Khumalo, as commissioners. The Commission must complete its investigation within eight months and submit its final report within two months thereafter.

"The Commission shall enquire into, make findings, report on and make recommendations on the following:

1. The feasibility of making higher education and training (higher education) fee-free in South Africa, having regard to:
   1. the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, all relevant higher and basic education legislation, all findings and recommendations of the various Presidential and Ministerial Task Teams, as well as all relevant educational policies, reports and guidelines; 
   2. the multiple facets of financial sustainability, analysing and assessing the role of government together with its agencies, students, institutions, business sector and employers in funding higher education and training; and
   3. the institutional independence and autonomy which should occur vis a vis the financial funding model."