#FEESMUSTFALL #BORNFREES #FREEQUALITYEDUCATION

It has really been incredible seeing the new generation taking a stand to fight what’s rightfully theirs, free quality education. This issue has been burning since 1994 when ANC government took over. ANC promised free quality education for all amongst things they thought it was a right to have. I thought I would be one of the first to have free quality education, guess what that was not the case instead I had to pay for my tertiary education, of course with the help of my parents. Inequality has been on the rise for the past twenty one years with youth perceived lazy, stupid and lost generation. I have always said each generation believe it is the best and astute generation ever. Bornfrees proved many of us South Africans very wrong, this time they turned things around hastily in such a way no one expected it. Just only in seven days leaders from churches, universities, private sector, public sector and society at large, we have to admit, we have been humbled and taught a lesson by these youngsters. If you haven’t,   you must be smoking socks if not retarded. The premier universities of Africa have been quite for a very long time, I am talking about Rhodes University, Wits University, and (UCT) and so on. The students from these universities have shown character, integrity, courage and extensive organisational skills.

Since the recession hit us in South Africa from 2008 and still suffering from it because of the deteriorating disparity, corruption as well as unemployment; bear in mind the economy is in crisis due to these factors and with the value of the rand declining so far by 71 percent since mchiniwam’s presidency. The Bornfrees from the premier universities have grasped that there is no need to brag about going to these universities anymore because many of their parents struggling to subsist, parents cannot afford anymore one way or the other. Now they have decided to put up a good fight, a fight that they know no one will go against them unless you are delusional like ANC government. They clearly know what they want and the only weapon they use is their minds nothing more, nothing less. It began with #RhodesMustFall, #FeesMustFall, #FreeQualityEducation later followed by #NationalShutDown. What is atrocious is the ANC led government’s response to the peaceful protests. Blade Nzimande in his words said “government cannot afford to fund higher education it has already increased NSFAS funds from three billion to nine billion rand per annum now the situation is very dire”. Who made it dire Mr. blunt Blade!? It’s the ANC that used to be sharp during apartheid now they are blunt as much as you are Blade! “Why they (ANC) intimidate anyone who has opposing views, parliament refused because the DA and ANC think that everything is normal, they go on as if there isn’t an outcry” said EFF responding to parliament’s failure to concur with them to halt midterm budget speech so they can give the students a hearing who were protesting outside parliament. “The ANC has made this crisis, the underfunding of students has been something ongoing for number of years. I wanted to listen quite clearly to the budget speech weather the ANC will hear the people of this country” said Mmusi Maimane leader of DA.

“Wits alone cannot resolve the inequality in our society. I do not believe that we can address the capping of fees without addressing the subsidy question in this country. If you cap the fees without looking and addressing the income flaws from the university subsidy into the university you will destroy the university system” said Wits Vice chancellor Adam Habib. I completely agree with Adam Habib’s statement we need efficient systems of high quality for our universities we can’t afford to compromise on that, but with Germany being able to fund education not just education, free quality education that state pays for it. South African government must reprioritise, put free quality education above all needs and make sure that graduates do not go to waste like Zimbabwean graduates being all over the world to make things dire for their country, I am perturbed by the way they brag about being educated I thought educated people are trained to stand the heat in the kitchen, instead when the going gets tough Zimbabweans get going.  Graduates that SA produce each year must be useful and benefit the economy of South Africa in particular before they could get that opportunity to shine on international stage. It is our responsibility as government, public sector, private sector, parastatal and community at large to recognise them, give them sufficient training, employment and put them on the map. Above all it is South Africa’s economy that will benefit immensely. You (Bornfrees) I am humbled, proud and impressed, with you I know South Africa’s future looks bright. I do not care who says what!? South Africans are not cowards, they are brave, astute and can do better. The likes of Steve Biko, Onkgopotse Tiro, Hector Petersen, Thekiso Solomon Plaatjie, Chris Hani, Ruth Monpati, Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Walter Sisulu, the list goes on and on they must be smiling from heaven and saying; this is South Africa we fought for, South Africa that can stand up, get in the Kitchen when the heat is turning up and put up a brave face when things go wrong. Aluta continua!!!