S’African students vow to fight for free education

South African students on Sunday vowed to continue their struggle for education transformation characterised by free education.

Although widespread protests died down after President Jacob Zuma announced a zero-percent increase in tuition fees for 2016, on Friday, sporadic protests have continued in several universities in the last two days.

The students are demanding that free quality education be offered and institutionalised racism abolished.

Students at the University of North West said they wanted Afrikaans not be used and imposed on students.

The nationwide protests have continued for two weeks under the slogan ‘Fees Must Fall’, triggered by university plans to raise tuition fees for 2016, ranging from 10 to 50 percent.

The protests have been marred by violence in many parts of the country, particular on Friday when thousands of students gathered outside the Union Buildings, the seat of government in Pretoria.

Police used tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse students trying to storm the Union Buildings. Seven students have been arrested, police have confirmed.

Emerging from a meeting with university vice-chancellors and leaders of the students, Zuma announced that there would be a zero percent fee increase next year.

Despite this, many students refused to return to class until their demand for free education is met.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has thrown its weight behind the students.

Addressing students in Jeffrey’s Bay in the eastern cape province on Sunday, ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said the demands of the protesting students were valid.

“We must be able to fund free education because it is not a cost but an investment into the future. Students are the future of the country,” Mantashe said

He said the government has to make choices and will therefore identify areas where they are going to make choices.

But Mantashe said there should be a time frame for achieving the goal of free education.

He said Zuma had announced the establishment of a task team to address students’ concerns, including free education and institutionalised racism.

“This is a commitment and sends a very strong message”, he said.

Free education is a promise made by the ANC.

In its congress in 2007, the party made a resolution to have free education in seven years and it has been criticised for failing to keep its promise.