The University of the Free State’s (UFS) student representative council (SRC) members have raised more than R1.2m for students who cannot afford tuition fees this year.

SRC president Lindokuhle Ntuli said they had received donations from students, lecturers, businesses and the community.

He said SRC members had pledged R500 from their own pockets towards the campaign.

"Even though the president said no fees will increase this year, we are still faced with the same challenges. No students who qualify should be de-registered this year. It is upon us to raise funds for the poor students to ensure that they get their right to education," he said.

The fundraising started last year after the #FeesMustFall campaign.

Ntuli said the money would be used to help needy students with textbooks, food and tuition fees.

"Students... would have to approach the SRC offices and sign an application form and then we will assist them with their fees."

He said they hoped to reach R5m by April 4.

In October last year, universities across the country embarked on nationwide student protests against the rising cost of tertiary education.

Towards the end of the month, President Jacob Zuma announced that university fees would not increase in 2016.

Source:News 24