How can the #Feesmustfall Campaign be Justified, The movement demanded an end to the rising costs of higher education in the country and the provision of free education for all. The campaign sparked protests across the country, with students occupying universities, blocking roads, and clashing with police and security forces. While the campaign had far-reaching consequences for higher education institutions and the South African economy, the impact on individual students is less well understood.
How can the #Feesmustfall Campaign be Justified
Limited Access to Higher Education
One of the main justifications for the #FMF campaign is the limited access to higher education in South Africa. The country’s historical legacy of apartheid has left a legacy of inequality, with many black students still facing significant barriers to accessing higher education. Even for those who do gain access, the costs of tuition and related expenses can be prohibitive, leading to high levels of student debt and financial stress. The #FMF campaign aimed to address these issues by calling for free education for all students and an end to the increasing costs of tuition.
A Response to Socioeconomic Disparity
South Africa has one of the highest rates of income inequality globally, and the cost of higher education tends to exacerbate this divide. High university fees disproportionately affect disadvantaged students, creating an unbalanced system where only those who can afford tuition have access to higher education. By campaigning for the abolition of university fees, the #FeesMustFall movement seeks to rectify this socioeconomic disparity, promoting equal opportunities for all students.
Breaking the Cycle of Debt
For many students, accessing higher education means taking on significant debt, which can take years, if not decades, to repay. This reality creates a cycle of debt that can be challenging to break free from and can limit opportunities later in life. The #FeesMustFall campaign argues that education should not burden students with such financial strain.
Investment in the Future
The #FeesMustFall movement suggests that free higher education should be seen as an investment in the future of the country. By educating its citizens, a country is investing in its own socio-economic development. A well-educated population is generally more equipped to create innovative solutions, start businesses, and contribute meaningfully to society.
International Precedent
Several countries, notably in Europe, offer free or highly subsidized higher education. These countries recognize the social and economic benefits of an educated populace and work to minimize financial barriers to higher education. The existence of such systems globally lends credibility to the demands of the #FeesMustFall campaign.
Disadvantages: Critiques and Counter-Arguments
Despite the justifications mentioned above, the #FeesMustFall campaign has faced criticism. Some argue that a fully subsidized education is financially unsustainable for the government and that resources could be better spent elsewhere. Others suggest that instead of making all education free, there should be a greater focus on scholarships and grants for those who need it most.
Critics also question the disruptive tactics employed during the campaign, such as protests and strikes, which can impact learning. They argue that such methods might detract from the broader aim of improving education access.
Conclusion
The #FeesMustFall protest actions had a significant impact on South African higher education institutions, the economy, and individual students. A study provided insight into how first-year students at a Peri-urban University campus experienced the protest actions. The study identified these themes: clashes between students and police or campus security, the impact of protest actions on students’ lives, psychological experiences of trauma and physical harm, and student attitudes towards and needs in times of crisis..