Student Protests in South Africa as Government signal tuition hikes

JOHANNESBURG -   South Africa Students have reacted with anger to Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande’s announcement that the university council will determine fee hikes but capped at eight percent. Students have continued to loud their voices expressing their readiness to ensure the new fees policy is not implemented.

Wits University SRC President Kefentse Mkhari says they are ever ready to fight the idea and anyone behind this development.  He stated government intention is to make education for the rich. Education is a right, hence we won’t accept fee increment when the poor continue to suffer. Mkhari says the university is trying to demobilise their calls for free education by spreading lies about the discovery of petrol bombs on campus. 

Last week, saw violent scenes erupt at the institution with running battles between private security and students on campus.

Three petrol bombs were discovered late last night and police are now investigating the matter but Mkhari says university management is using propaganda.

“No one has told us where exactly those petrol bombs were found, who found them and I think it’s quite convenient for the university to find the petrol bombs when it’s said it is suspending all academic activities and if needs be, they’re going to shut down residents. They are trying to demobilise us.”

At the same time, former SRC President Mcebo Dlamini says it is very convenient that the university was able to make this sudden discovery at a specific area at the Braamfontein campus.

“They want to justify why they want you to go home so they can call you one by one to come and write exams; probably they will say we must write them online, what must happen to those who don’t have Wi-Fi and internet?”