Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia – 21/11/2016

In a desperate bid to save the 2016 academic year, universities have deployed a high security presence to deter violent protests so that students can complete the curriculum and sit for examinations. 

After having extended the academic year by two weeks, some university’s managed to complete its teaching programme despite disruptions. 

Former WITS University Student Representative Council General (SRC) Secretary Fasiha Hassan told Radio Islam while she is no longer part of the organization; she remains committed to the Fees Must Fall movement.

Hassen says that due to the heavy police presence on campuses, the movement has been quelled to an extent.

“I think at the moment, there was such heavy brutality that in many ways became the focus, particularly around the shooting of Former SRC President Shaeera Kalla, and all of these other elements.”

She believes government has not managed to fully address the issues plaguing higher education institutions. 

“They’ve only brought state security”, said Hassen.

Hassen stresses that thousands of students are going to get financially excluded next year.

“Come January, February next year, potential students are going to have outstanding debt, they not going to have money to register next year, and what you going to see is rolling mass action.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE FEES MUST FALL MOVMENT?

Hassen concedes that even though the movement did not get the commitment it needed, they will be applying pressure in different forms.

“Now that there is a whole lot of money that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has set aside for higher education, we will now bring up the discussion that the money must not be used for NSFAS, it needs to be used for free education.”

HOW WILL HISTORY REMEMBER IT?

Former SRC General Secreatary Fasiha Hassen: “I think it depends on who’s writing it”

Twitter: @thedabhelia

(Edited By Faizel Pate)