University vice chancellors are meeting Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande on Wednesday to discuss the year ahead, the department said.

Spokesperson Khaye Kwanyana said Nzimande intended explaining government’s plans for the year. The meeting was in Kempton Park and closed to the public.

“Nzimande wants to make clear what government’s commitments are. He also wants to hear from the rectors what their plans are for the year ahead and if there are any challenges foreseen.

“They will also be given space to tell us what they are expecting from government.”

On Thursday, Nzimande met student leaders for talks. Some members of the student delegation walked out, including the Wits University student representative council.

On Tuesday, Wits University said it reached an agreement with student leaders regarding fees for the year ahead.

Student-led protests started in October last year, in response to an increase in fees at South African universities.

Protests started at Wits and spread to the University of Cape Town and Rhodes University, before reaching other universities across the country.

President Jacob Zuma eventually announced there would be no fee increases in 2016. News24