#FeesMustFall is at it again. I must say, I respect the students for standing up for what they believe in and fighting for it.
Most people are waiting on the outcome and I’m one of them. I’m all for free education as education has become expensive, but I’m against the manner in which the situation is being handled. The violence that has been happening between the police and students has left a bad taste in my mouth.
Rome was not built in one day and even freedom was not obtained in one day.
Why should students, whose parents have paid fees for them to obtain a qualification, have to suffer because others are trying to make a point and want their grievances heard?
Since the campaign for #feesmustfall began, I have not seen any media house actually approaching students who are not part of the protest to hear how they feel about their learning being disturbed – and really get their hard-core side of the story.
Many, including me, would grab the opportunity of free education to further our studies because, like so many others, I also couldn’t continue because of the high cost. Parents work hard and spend their life savings for their children so that they can get a better education.
Again I say, I respect students taking a stand and saying enough is enough. However, afford the young people the opportunity of learning and becoming contributing citizens to our economy, as the price of education has become too expensive for the working class.
Many parents don’t want to see their children being tear-gassed, as that could open old wounds that are still healing.
All parties involved need to come to the table as equals; treat each other as human beings; and be prepared to understand the struggle of others.
Money can get you almost anything and one thing, for sure – it will pay for your education. But what about the ones who cannot afford even the most basic needs? They need to work very hard to get the money for an education that promises a better life. Once you have that degree it will get you far.
Property is being vandalised as a way to get the message across. Student leaders are saying they don’t support the violence, yet they have not addressed the issue of the violent students.
At the end of the day, one has to decide what future will be left if we continue like this. Will they be known as the Class of 2016 that vandalised and burnt down learning facilities because they were fighting for a ‘good cause’? A cause can be good – but if marred by other issues, it becomes something else.
Questions arise, such as, are all the protesting students dedicated students who are obtaining good marks and are serious about their education, or are they just students who come to varsity thinking it’s a chill zone?
The government is not giving answers – is it because it approves of the violence, or is it because South Africa is really not ready for free education?
We have a number of serious issues as a country – even access to basic needs is a problem. Can we really afford free education for all, or is that just a dream that will never come true?
Personally, I’m all for free education, but I’m not for the violence that will make our parents pay more because facilities are not available. What if students win the war and get free education – where will the money come from to clean up the mess caused? Creating more problems will not assist the students in achieving their goal.
The elephant in the room is: How far will this go, or are we waiting until students lose their lives and only then consider a different approach?
It’s easy to forget the aim of the cause when in the heat of the moment – but never forget what you wanted to achieve when you started #stopviolance #respecteducation #freeeducation #feesmustfall #arewereadyforfreeeducation.
