​In a declaration issued after the multi-stakeholder forum in Johannesburg on 3 October 2016 calls are made for universities and students to resume academic activities as a matter of urgency while long-term solutions for the financial crisis in higher education is being investigated. The declaration also acknowledges legitimate demands of the student movement for a student-funding regime that enables access to higher education for all who need financial assistance. Government recently announced some immediate relief from fee increases in 2017 for households with a joint annual income of less than R600 000 per year. The declaration appeals are being made to students to refrain from violence and damage to property, and to not infringe on the rights of others. It also calls for maximum restraint by security services when intervention becomes essential. Click here for the full declaration.