“Fees Must Fall” is a movement that began in South Africa in 2015, with the goal of making higher education more affordable and accessible to students from marginalized communities. The movement gained widespread attention and support, and it brought attention to the issue of the high cost of higher education and the barriers that many students face in accessing education.
The “Fees Must Fall” movement was sparked by a proposal to increase tuition fees at universities in South Africa, which would have made it even more difficult for students from low-income backgrounds to afford higher education. The movement began with peaceful protests on university campuses, but it quickly escalated into a nationwide movement, with students from various universities joining in the protests.
The demands of the movement included a freeze on tuition fee increases, the restoration of funding for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, and the introduction of free education for all students. The movement also highlighted the need for universities to address issues such as racism, sexism, and discrimination.
The government responded to the movement by agreeing to a freeze on tuition fee increases for the 2016 academic year and by increasing funding for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. However, the issue of free education for all students was not fully addressed and remains a contentious issue to date.
The “Fees Must Fall” movement brought attention to the issue of the high cost of higher education and the barriers that many students face in accessing education. It also highlighted the need for universities to address issues such as racism, sexism, and discrimination. However, the movement also faced criticism for the disruption it caused on university campuses and for the violent tactics used by some protesters.
In conclusion, the “Fees Must Fall” movement was a significant event in South Africa’s history that brought attention to the issue of the high cost of higher education and the barriers that many students face in accessing education
