Updated: Mar 26, 2021
Education is the engine of society. It is a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and economic development. At the dawn of our democracy, the government placed education at the top of their priority list in hopes of a better life for all. However, registration fees, historical debt and increasing university tuition have prevented countless students from obtaining tertiary education. It is, thus, an unavoidable fact that financial exclusion from higher education is testament to the inequality prevalent in South Africa. The South African Union of Students (SAUS) has organised nationwide student protests calling for the removal of registration fees of 2021, forgiving of historical debt and free higher education. The TuksRes Women in Leadership Academy (TRWLA) stands in solidarity with these objectives, as we believe that higher education is cardinal to the mobilisation and empowerment of women to create a better future for South Africa. In previous years, students could attend lectures on campus while awaiting registration. This year, however, all study material is exclusively made available online. This means that those students who have not yet been able to register cannot access their study material and will fall behind. TRWLA commends those universities that have waived the registration fees. We are yet to receive a response from the University of Pretoria and are eagerly awaiting action from them. We are also of the contention that the Department of Higher Education should consider the requests of the SAUS.
2021 will be a challenging academic year, but our precarious circumstances cannot be our downfall.
In reflecting on the promises of our first democratic government, “Glory,” the hit single by John Legend and Common comes to mind. The latter artist proclaims that no one can win the war individually, it takes the wisdom of the elders and young people’s energy. Twenty seven years after the formation of the government of national unity, South Africa still faces alarming challenges in education. The current student protests embody the adoption of that promise while holding our veteran leaders accountable.
To our fellow students, I say: Bambezela.
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