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The Chamber of Mines yesterday, 12 October 2016, sent a formal response to the memorandum handed to senior management of the Chamber on 28 September 2016 by the Wits University “#FeesMustFall” collective. The full response is attached.

The Chamber and its members believe that consistent, quality, relevant and accessible tertiary education is key to South Africa’s future.

The mining industry accounts for 7.7% of South Africa’s GDP, and through its contribution of around 10% of the country’s corporate taxation, the industry indirectly supports government spending as well. This means that the industry is making a contribution to skills development and higher education that is higher than its share of GDP.

In 2015 alone, the industry contributed R5 billion to skills development. This has happened in the context of tough economic circumstances for the mining industry - in 2014 and 2015 the mining sector racked up losses of R10 billion and R37 billion respectively.

We believe that tertiary education should be properly funded by government, with contributions from the corporate sector, and sliding scale contributions from students. The funding model should not place undue pressure on poorer students, and should allow them access to tertiary education on a sustainable basis.

The Chamber and its members are willing to play a role in engaging with all parties to seek a sustainable model for the funding of tertiary education.

The Chamber of Mines’ executive has invited leaders of the Wits SRC to meet with them to discuss their memorandum and the Chamber’s response.

Issued by Chamber of Mines