‘Education’ Khanyile gets Malema’s support
The EFF leader has called on 'genuine' Fees Must Fall supporters to gather at Westiville Prison in support of the student protest leader.
Durban University of Technology (DUT) student activist Bonginkosi Khanyile. PICTURE: EFF Students Command @EFFStudents
While others claim he is one of the students who’s aim is to disturb “those who want to study”, others say his only crime was fighting for free and decolonised education in South Africa.
Dubbed the ‘king of protests’, UKZN student Bonginkosi ‘Education’ Khanyile is no ordinary student. It emerged in court last year that the 26-year-old was a ‘brilliant’ student with a grade average of more than 80%.
Khanyile has been behind bars since being arrested in September last year. He spent Christmas and New Year’s Day in jail after being denied bail in the High Court in Pietermaritzburg in December. He remains in custody despite calls by Fees Must Fall proponents and supporters that he be released.
One of those supporters is EFF leader Julius Malema. The party’s commander-in-chief has called on ‘genuine supporters’ of Fees Must Fall to join the EFF in support of Khanyile. The party will be visiting Khanyile on January 8 – the same day the ANC will be celebrating its 105th birthday.
“If you genuinely support #FeesMustFall come join us on the 08 January 2017, 11am at Westiville Prison in support of Education Khanyile,” Malema said in a tweet.
If you genuinely support #FeesMustFall come join us on the 08 January 2017, 11am at Westiville Prison in support of Education Khanyile
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) January 5, 2017
The EFF also claimed that: “Education Khanyile is the only Fees Must Fall movement student who’s still behind bars.”
Khanyile is facing charges of public violence, illegal gathering, possession of explosives, possession of dangerous weapons, obstructing traffic and causing a nuisance on public roads.
Magistrate Jackie Jonck denied the EFF-aligned student bail, saying the large support base for Khanyile in court indicated his influence over others.
“From the supporters in court, it is clear he still commands influence.”
EFF Leadership led by CIC @Julius_S_Malema will visit #FMF activist Education Khanyile at Westville Prison:
Date: 8January 2017
Time: 11am— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) January 5, 2017
Education Khanyile is the only Fees Must Fall movement student who's still behind bars. Visit will take place under the following details:
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) January 5, 2017
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