​Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training, Universities SA (USAf) and the University Council Chairs Forum (UCCF) on Friday 12 August 2016 agreed on the establishment of a multi-stakeholder forum to address the need for 8% increase in income for the higher education sector for 2017.

At the consultative meeting it was decided that the forum will include the National Treasury, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the private sector represented by its associations, UCCF and USAf, as well as relevant student and faith-based organisations. The objective is to arrive at a joint approach on how to fully fund an increase of 8%. This income could come from a variety of sources. It was proposed that this forum provide a report by the end of August 2016. Read more on the outcomes of the meeting.