THE last thing the #FeesMustFall protests need now are hollow conspiracy theories that fragment the cause and stoke escalating tensions. The show of force on Friday, when the three ministers in the security cluster — Michael Masutha, Nathi Nhleko and David Mahlobo — gave an incoherent briefing flanked by Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande and student leaders was the worst possible signal at a time when cool heads are needed.The spectacle warrants pause for thought. A gung ho, shoot ’em up posture has become the standard response to one of many crises that speak to the fundamental flaw of this country, which is its pervasive inequality. The defects are apparent and patience is wearing thin.The unspoken message from Friday’s presser was clear: protest and be damned; retreat or face the barrel of the gun and be stomped on by violent boots. But, what end will criminalising protests achieve other than emboldening those at the coalface to press on and to adopt a more militant stance...
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