Controversial comments spread through social media about the protests at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Aphiwe Mnyamana, the president of the student representative council, flanked by the general secretary, Tshiamo Chuma, addressed the media, dissecting the issues that led to the protests. He raised the issue of financial exclusion, accommodation and the pace of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme in paying student allowances, among others. A case of deja vu, isn’t it?
It takes South Africa back to the #FeesMustFall protests and before the student protests in various universities across the country. Of course, and true to sensational traction, the nature of the protest made headlines rather than the issues the students were raising. Arm chair critics criticize. The praise singers were praising.
But one basic question failed for Occupy public discourse is why, almost 30 years into the democratic dispensation, the face of struggle, the face of humiliation and exclusion, remain black students. This shows itself even in the academic and social configuration of Wits University. West Campus, home to law, engineering and commerce students, has a larger white and Indian population, while East Campus (where protests usually erupt and occur) houses social science students, who are predominantly black. This is a subtle discrimination exception that starts with the application process.
The new protest, in form and content, seems to confirm that every generation that enters the doors of universities must face the same injustice, the same socio-economic conditions, just to access and use the rights protected democratically and constitutionally. When the mantra of history becomes “aluta continua”, the struggle cannot be a perennial state for a certain race, class and most part of the so-called rainbow nation.
Little attention has been redirected to the systemic and structural failure which keeps generation after generation of black students in this conundrum. For years, governments and the private sector have failed to address the socio-economic barriers that hinder access to higher education for black students. I deliberately mention the private sector because it is the main beneficiary of the skilled workforce. It should champion equality and access to education.
Critics expressed concern and dismay at the vandalism committed by students during the protest. The schizophrenic relationship between the authorities and the working class has transitioned to democracy. Students come from places where society has finally resorted to violent protests when they should be heard. In cases where crime has plagued the neighborhood, people resort to mass justice. When municipalities fail to deliver services, people protest. This is the result of a fragile and fragile social fabric, the result of a breached social contract between the state and society.
Education is an important intervention for a world that is increasingly complex, antagonistic and vulnerable to social instability and economic threats. The unprecedented Covid pandemic has made matters worse and exposed how poverty remains a class gap in South Africa.
In his speech, Mnyamana used the example of a student from Qwaqwa who attended Wits for the first time. This student is in the computer lab and cannot turn on the computer. He needs to be helped. These things may seem small to the privileged few. Not all students come from families with the means to begin tertiary education. Some come from the basic education system, which does not provide the most basic facilities such as ablution facilities and proper infrastructure, due to state corruption.
Others carry their dreams safely in their bags and hearts, with hopes for a better life, a chance to rewrite their lives and their families. But the university still takes an intransigent posture towards this class of society, demanding an impossible amount of money for registration, and shortfalls for accommodation and the purchase of academic books.
Mnyamana said the challenges for black students begin before they enter the classroom. Ideally, students should enter the lecture hall with all the facilities and administrative and financial issues. But the student population that pays the fees, buys the books, buys cars for travel and pays for accommodation is mostly from minority races.
This psychological effect is limitless. Uncertainty about the immediate future and feeling like you don’t belong at university is a way to scar before your academic journey begins. fee; sick of being systemically relegated to a certain class with little choice or protection to exercise their constitutional rights.
Black students are oriented towards the perverse system of racialized capitalism. Education and funding is a privilege. The protest aspect is a better sound bite for the media. But 30 years in the democratic dispensation, the form of protest has become a modus operandi used by students to break through their frustration. His tactics show turbulence, anger and patience.
With a history of structural aspects of the economy underpinned by a narrow, capitalist and self-sufficient ideology, the government has failed to unlock the potential of a more inclusive economy. Exclusion in higher education reflects this injustice.
Fundamental change is needed in our universities and the economy of education as a whole requires a more deliberate and inclusive approach. The private sector, society and government should come to the party.
It is not possible that every generation should be burdened with the same struggle in a country where billions of rands fall into the abyss of corruption and perverted accumulation is glorified. Expecting a peaceful demonstration in a country that has failed to raise and protect the youth, expecting all citizens to normalize the current socio-economic reality faced by the majority without consequences.
Gugu Ndima is a social commentator.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect official policy or position Mail & Guardians.