The party held its national executive committee lekgotla over the weekend.
“Being cognisant that the Heher Commission has until 31 August 2017 to submit its report on the feasibility of fee-free higher education, the NEC Lekgotla resolved to introduce the following measures that should be integrated into the final work of the Commission,” Mantashe told reporters in Johannesburg.
“The proposal should be factored in over time but be effective from the January 2018 intake of students. The reason for the phasing in is to allow time and space for government to prepare and budget for it over the long term.”
A combination of grants would kick-start the plan, with financial assistance of up to R150 000 to be converted into a grant for academically qualifying poor students.
Poor students are defined as coming from families who earn a gross income of R150 000 and less per year.
If the policy is introduced, it will be an addition to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and the Ikusasa Financial Aid Scheme.
Ikusasa was introduced as a pilot project this year to help fund “missing middle” students with a household income of between R122 000 and R600 000.
Asked whether the decision was meant to prevent another ‘FeesMustFall’ shutdown at universities, Mantashe said the ANC had taken a resolution to provide free higher education to poor students at its previous elective conferences, and was finally making good on their promises.