#FeesMustFall
South African universities stand on the precipice
If civil society does not act now to protect institutions of higher learning, there will be nothing left for future generations to inherit
While students burn buses and loot shops, social media pundits are hurling abuse at vice-chancellors and the police. The #Feesmustfall movement has brought our universities to the brink of collapse and only a brave few have spoken out against their tactics. Our constitution grants "everyone the right, peacefully and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions". This right affords us the ability to make our voices heard and express displeasure with the status quo. Students are within their rights to call for free education. They can raise their placards high, write manifestos and engage with the powers that be to further their cause. However, the right to protest does not permit the use of violence. When students launch rocks at the police they invite sanction. When they burn down libraries they rob future generations of the ability to learn. When they close down campuses they jeopardise the livelihoods of those on the cusp of graduating. Their vile deeds...
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