Battle rages over rights of education versus privileges

This is, however, not the case.

Our economy is not special, as the entire world struggles to find growth, neither do we own the challenge of providing accessible education and health care to the masses.

Of late, campuses across South Africa have become a war zone over tertiary fees, outsourcing, language of tuition and affordable accommodation for students.

These issues have escalated into racial tension, as seen at Tukkies and in the Free State, where black and white students violently clash, even on a rugby pitch, of all places.

While such conflict can never be condoned, it is a clear sign of the frustration among the masses, especially our youth, as our dire economic times are pushing people to the edge of survival.

With SA’s unemployment hovering at around 25 per cent, education is seen as a golden ticket to a possible better future.

These protests and clashes are not merely about the economy, but also about culture, as it is clear that the six million plus citizens who speak Afrikaans are not willing to go down with a fight.

No matter what one may think of any culture, this country, in the days of Madiba, became a beacon of hope because of its tolerance.

Simply put, no culture should ever be threatened if it is ingrained in a country’s past and present, to ensure a better future.

Some would also say the student movement is actually not about the economy or culture at all, but about politics, in an attempt to unbalance the status quo as we head into the local elections later this year.

By the way, who didn’t crack a smile when Gwede Mantashe, the ANC Secretary General, accused America of plotting to ensure a change in regime? Oh the wicked and hilarious game of politics!

Maybe the student protests are, in part, about rights versus privileges.

Ever heard of the Million Student March in America?

Last year students from more than 100 American universities united in the march to protest over tuition fees, student debt and higher wages for campus workers.

The students, at the time, said they united to fight for education as a human right.

Sounds familiar, right?

In reaction, Liz Wheeler from the Tipping Show in America condemned the action of these students, telling them to grow up and to realise education is not a right but a privilege.

Yes, education may seem like a privilege, and while we wish to hold onto this dream, in this country we have something called the Bill of Rights.

And this Bill states that everyone has the right to further education, which the state, through reasonable measures, must make progressively available and accessible.

It also states that everyone has the right to receive education in the official language or language of their choice, in public educational institutions where that education is reasonably practicable.

In order to ensure the effective access to and implementation of this right, the state must consider all reasonable educational alternatives, including single medium institutions, taking into account equity, practicability and the need to redress the results of previous racially discriminatory laws and practices.

These rights are then weighed against the other rights under education, that state everyone has the right to establish and maintain, at their own expense, independent educational institutions.

But then again, the Bill of Rights also states, as a clause, that this can be done on the basis that it does not discriminate on the basis of race.

These rights have never changed, it just seems that, of late, students have chosen to exercise their rights which have, unfortunately, turned violent, criminal and barbaric.

In the past, many people in this country couldn’t study further because of financial constraints, but chose not to protest, burn down campuses and incite violence.

While education is a right, violence should never be used to exercise such a right. and neither should politics be wielded to enforce such rights at the expense of other rights or at the expense of human dignity.

This country, therefore, continues to face a myriad of complex issues, including racism, which was also evident in the clashes.

Again, it is up to the government to address the frustrations of the people, and quickly, because the government should respect the Bill of Rights and realise that its people are crying out for strong leadership.

After all, students across the board – be they white or black, English or Afrikaans, Zulu or Xhosa – are equally protected under the Bill of Rights to receive proper education as they wish.

And this should be taken within an environment where all cultures and races are respected.

Yes, Minister Pravin Gordhan did promise billions to help the youth with education in his latest budget speech, the problem, however, exists that SA’s economy keeps stuttering along, which will continue to lead to higher unemployment.

As the desperation on the streets of South Africa intensifies, this could lead to even further protests, as the masses demand that all their other rights – as enshrined in the Bill and which the government is neglecting to safeguard – are met

It is, therefore, time for the government to stop playing politics and step up by honouring the Bill of Rights and by honouring its citizens with the proper means to be educated, then to be employed – but not at the expense of any culture, race or language.