HALF ART
CHRIS THURMAN: Of purple petals, patriarchy and forgotten heroines of history
THERE is a saying at Wits University, where I teach: "If you haven’t started studying for exams by the time the jacaranda trees bloom, then you’ve left it too late."In 2015, the petals made a vivid purple backdrop as the #FeesMustFall protests coalesced into a national movement that shook the gates of state power.A short-term solution (0% fee increase) was agreed on just in time for most students to complete their exams, but a new botanical marker had been set. In 2016, and for years to come, as Gauteng’s campuses became colourful with spring and summer flowers, #FeesMustFall would be #reloaded.In fact, Higher Education and training Minister Blade Nzimande’s announcement that universities would be left to decide on fee increases triggered 2016’s protests with the jacaranda branches still bare. But, this is certainly no time to stop and smell the jasmine. This is a time, sadly, for arrested activists and broken glass; for empty classrooms and shouting matches in the street.There are ...
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