By: Kaya 959 News
Higher education minister Blade Nzimande has denied allegations that he is out of touch with issues faced and raised by students.
The minister says his department makes a point of dealing with all issues that are brought to his office.
He was responding to questions in the national assembly yesterday where Members of Parliament accused him of failing to help university students.
This came as demonstrations over financial matters at Wits university took a turn for the worst with a bystander being shot and killed on Wednesday.
According to several publications, the bystander was shot by police.
READ: A man has been shot and killed by police during a protest by Wits students
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)’s Mthokozi Nxumalo said the students were right to demand free education as it was something promised to them by former President, Jacob Zuma.
He added that it seems Nzimande is too incompetent to run the department.
READ: Kaya Biz breaks down the cost of tertiary education
“One might even say you are incompetent to run the department because every year, none of the students are getting benefits from your office,” said Nxumalo during the assembly.
Nzimande claimed that he was in touch with the students.
“95% of all the students who are going to be taken by Wits University are already registered and I am in touch will all universities,” Nzimande responded.
He has sent his condolences to the family of the man killed during the protests and is expected to hold a media briefing on Thursday.



