NSFAS Funding Will Force Students To Stay at Home | How To Kill Hope, In 2015, amidst historical accounts of structural exclusion under apartheid and post-apartheid challenges, higher education institutions, in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training, decided to raise fees for the upcoming academic year. This decision, despite the genuine concerns of the working class and poor, sparked a nationwide movement known as students united against the proposed fee increment.
Student Mobilization
Facing the threat of increased financial burden, student formations and activists rallied together to form a cohesive front under the #FeesMustFall banner. Their aim was to oppose the fee hike and address the broader issues of inequality in higher education.
Disruption of Academic Calendar
The nationwide protests, born out of frustration and a call for social justice, disrupted the academic calendar. Campuses across the country experienced widespread unrest, leading to the suspension of classes and administrative functions. The consequences of these disruptions were far-reaching, impacting students, faculty, and the institutions themselves.
Escalation of Tensions
As the protests intensified, instances of property vandalism became prevalent. In response to the escalating situation, universities took disciplinary actions, leading to the expulsion of hundreds of students who had actively participated in the #FeesMustFall protests.
Government Response and Public Outcry
The government’s reaction to the student protests drew public outcry. Law enforcement, particularly the police, faced severe criticism for their handling of the demonstrations. Reports of police brutality, assault on protesters, and tragic instances of student fatalities further fueled public discontent.
Conclusion
Born out of the necessity to address financial barriers to education, brought attention to the structural challenges within the South African higher education system. The government’s response, marked by confrontations and unfortunate incidents, underscored the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to ensure equitable access to education for all. The consequences of such movements continue to shape the discourse on education
