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FeesMustFall Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The #FeesMustFall Movement: Origins, Events, and Legacy

Cheat Sheet:
The #FeesMustFall Movement: Origins, Events, and Legacy Study Guide

Origins and Initial Protests (2015)

The #FeesMustFall protests began in 2014.

Answer: False

Explanation: The movement officially commenced in mid-October 2015, not in 2014.

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Protests under the #FeesMustFall banner initially started at the University of Cape Town.

Answer: False

Explanation: The #FeesMustFall protests initially began at the University of the Witwatersrand in October 2015, subsequently spreading to other institutions.

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The immediate trigger for the 2015 protests at the University of the Witwatersrand was a proposed 10.5% increase in student fees.

Answer: True

Explanation: The University of the Witwatersrand's announcement of a 10.5% fee increase for the subsequent academic year served as the direct catalyst for the 2015 protests.

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The University of the Witwatersrand initially proposed a fee increase of 6.5%.

Answer: False

Explanation: The University of the Witwatersrand initially proposed a fee increase of 10.5%.

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The #FeesMustFall movement began in October 2015.

Answer: True

Explanation: The movement officially commenced in mid-October 2015.

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The protests were triggered by an announcement of a 10.5% fee increase at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Answer: True

Explanation: The University of the Witwatersrand's announcement of a 10.5% fee increase served as the direct trigger for the 2015 protests.

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In which month and year did the #FeesMustFall movement officially begin?

Answer: October 2015

Explanation: The movement officially commenced in mid-October 2015.

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Which university was the initial site of the #FeesMustFall protests in October 2015?

Answer: University of the Witwatersrand

Explanation: The protests that ignited the national #FeesMustFall movement in October 2015 commenced at the University of the Witwatersrand.

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What specific event triggered the protests at the University of the Witwatersrand in October 2015?

Answer: The announcement of a 10.5% increase in student fees for the upcoming year.

Explanation: The immediate catalyst for the 2015 protests at the University of the Witwatersrand was the institution's proposal of a 10.5% increase in student fees.

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Escalation and National Impact

Students at the University of Cape Town blocked campus access using rocks and dustbins after the university obtained a court interdict in October 2015.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the university obtaining a court interdict on October 19, 2015, students at the University of Cape Town blocked vehicle access to the campus using rocks and dustbins.

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Students at the University of Pretoria planned to lock down three campuses in October 2015.

Answer: True

Explanation: Students at the University of Pretoria reportedly planned to lock down three of the university's campuses in October 2015.

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Following Minister Nzimande's announcement on September 19, 2016, students at the University of the Witwatersrand peacefully dispersed.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the announcement, students at the University of the Witwatersrand mobilized to shut down their campus and blockaded entrances, leading to confrontations.

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During the October 19, 2015 incident at the University of Cape Town, riot police arrested over 25 students while evicting them from the administration building.

Answer: True

Explanation: On October 19, 2015, riot police at the University of Cape Town evicted protesters from the administration building, arresting over 25 students.

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The #FeesMustFall movement in London aimed to show solidarity with students protesting in South Africa.

Answer: True

Explanation: A demonstration in London aimed to express solidarity with the students protesting fee increases in South Africa.

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The #FeesMustFall movement was largely confined to the University of the Witwatersrand.

Answer: False

Explanation: The movement spread rapidly from the University of the Witwatersrand to numerous other universities across South Africa.

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What action did students at the University of Cape Town take on October 19, 2015, after the university obtained a court interdict?

Answer: They blocked vehicle access to campus using rocks and dustbins.

Explanation: Following the university obtaining a court interdict on October 19, 2015, students at the University of Cape Town blocked vehicle access to the campus using rocks and dustbins.

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Government and University Responses

The University of the Witwatersrand cited the strengthening rand and decreased costs of imported resources as a key reason for the proposed fee increase.

Answer: False

Explanation: The university cited the depreciation of the rand and increased costs of imported resources, not the opposite, as reasons for the proposed fee increase.

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Following the initial protests in October 2015, the University of the Witwatersrand immediately agreed to a permanent 0% fee increase.

Answer: False

Explanation: The University of the Witwatersrand agreed to suspend and renegotiate the fee increase and forgo disciplinary actions, not to a permanent 0% increase.

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The #FeesMustFall movement saw a revival in 2016 after the government announced a complete freeze on all university fees for the next academic year.

Answer: False

Explanation: The movement revived in 2016 due to the Minister of Higher Education announcing potential fee increases capped at 8%, not a complete freeze.

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President Jacob Zuma's announcement of no tuition fee increases for 2016 was widely considered a setback for the movement.

Answer: False

Explanation: President Zuma's announcement of no tuition fee increases for 2016 was widely considered a significant victory for the movement.

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The Fees Commission recommended a 0% increase in university fees for 2017, deeming it sustainable.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Council on Higher Education recommended an inflation-related increase, deeming a 0% increase unsustainable.

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President Zuma addressed the protesters directly outside the Union Buildings on October 23, 2015, before announcing the fee freeze.

Answer: False

Explanation: President Zuma announced the fee freeze from within the Union Buildings and did not address the protesters directly outside.

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Minister Blade Nzimande announced that university fee increases for 2017 would be capped at 8% and excluded students from families earning below R600,000 annually from financial aid.

Answer: False

Explanation: Minister Nzimande announced fee increases would be capped at 8% but stated the government was working on financial assistance for students from families earning below R600,000 annually, not excluding them.

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The 2015 #FeesMustFall protests concluded after the government announced a 5% increase in tuition fees for 2016.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2015 protests concluded when the government announced no tuition fee increases for 2016.

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The Council on Higher Education recommended a 0% fee increase for South African universities in 2017, citing sustainability concerns.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Council on Higher Education recommended an inflation-related increase, deeming a 0% increase unsustainable.

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President Jacob Zuma directly engaged with the protesting students outside the Union Buildings on October 23, 2015.

Answer: False

Explanation: President Zuma announced the fee freeze from within the Union Buildings and did not directly engage with the protesters gathered outside.

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The 2015 protests concluded with the government agreeing to a 5% tuition fee increase for 2016.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2015 protests concluded with the government announcing no tuition fee increases for 2016.

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The depreciation of the South African rand was cited as a reason for increased costs related to imported resources like library books.

Answer: True

Explanation: The depreciation of the rand was cited as a factor increasing costs for imported resources, such as library books.

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The Fees Commission recommended a 0% fee increase for 2017 as sustainable.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Council on Higher Education recommended an inflation-related increase, deeming a 0% increase unsustainable.

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Which of the following was NOT cited as a reason for the proposed fee increase by the University of the Witwatersrand's CFO?

Answer: A decrease in government subsidies for higher education.

Explanation: While the CFO cited factors like rand depreciation, academic salary increases, and inflation, a decrease in government subsidies was not listed as a justification for the proposed fee hike.

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What was the immediate result of the protests at the University of the Witwatersrand in October 2015?

Answer: The university agreed to suspend and renegotiate the fee increase and forgo disciplinary actions.

Explanation: Following the protests, the University of the Witwatersrand agreed to suspend the proposed fee increase, initiate renegotiations, and refrain from taking disciplinary action against students and staff involved.

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The #FeesMustFall movement revived in August 2016 primarily due to which announcement?

Answer: The Minister of Higher Education announcing potential fee increases capped at 8% for 2017.

Explanation: The movement revived in August 2016 following the Minister of Higher Education's announcement of potential fee increases for 2017, capped at 8%.

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What did the Council on Higher Education recommend regarding university fees for 2017?

Answer: An inflation-related increase, deeming a 0% increase unsustainable.

Explanation: The Council on Higher Education recommended an inflation-related adjustment to university fees for 2017, concluding that a complete 0% increase would be financially unsustainable.

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What was the outcome of the meeting between President Zuma, vice-chancellors, and student representatives on October 23, 2015?

Answer: President Zuma announced no increase in university fees for 2016, but did not address the crowd directly.

Explanation: President Zuma announced a freeze on university fee increases for 2016, but did not directly address the protesters gathered outside, leading to some dissatisfaction.

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Which of the following was cited as a reason for the proposed fee increase by the University of the Witwatersrand's CFO?

Answer: Increased costs for imported resources due to rand depreciation.

Explanation: The Chief Financial Officer cited increased costs for imported resources, exacerbated by the depreciation of the South African rand, as a justification for the proposed fee increase.

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How did the #FeesMustFall protests conclude in 2015?

Answer: With the government announcing no tuition fee increases for 2016.

Explanation: The protests of 2015 concluded following the South African government's announcement that tuition fees would not be increased for the 2016 academic year.

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Underlying Issues and Demands

The #FeesMustFall movement's primary objective was to abolish all university fees entirely across South Africa.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary objective of the #FeesMustFall movement was to protest against increases in student fees and advocate for greater government funding for higher education, rather than the complete abolition of all fees.

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On September 19, 2016, students at the University of the Witwatersrand demanded 'free decolonized education for all'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The demand articulated on September 19, 2016, was specifically for 'free decolonized education for black people'.

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It was claimed that the annual cost of corruption in South Africa was insufficient to fund free education.

Answer: False

Explanation: It was claimed that the annual cost of corruption (R60 billion) could potentially fund the estimated annual cost of free education (R45 billion).

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Students at Fort Hare University protested against corruption but did not link their concerns to fee increases.

Answer: False

Explanation: Students at Fort Hare University protested concerns over fee increases and corruption, linking these issues.

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What was the primary objective of the #FeesMustFall movement?

Answer: To protest against increases in university student fees and advocate for more government funding for higher education.

Explanation: The movement's core aims were to challenge rising tuition fees and advocate for increased state investment in higher education, addressing issues of access and affordability.

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Besides fee increases, what broader socio-economic issue contributed to the background of the #FeesMustFall protests?

Answer: A real decline in government funding for higher education and lack of funding for poorer students.

Explanation: Broader concerns included a perceived real decline in government funding for higher education, inadequate financial support for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and pervasive socio-economic and racial inequalities.

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During the confrontation on September 19, 2016, at the University of the Witwatersrand, what specific demand did students voice?

Answer: Free decolonized education for black people.

Explanation: Amidst the confrontation on September 19, 2016, at the University of the Witwatersrand, students articulated a demand for 'free decolonized education for black people'.

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What specific claim was made regarding the potential funding of free education through anti-corruption measures?

Answer: The R60 billion lost annually to corruption could potentially fund the estimated R45 billion annual cost of free education.

Explanation: A claim posited that the estimated R60 billion lost annually to corruption could potentially cover the approximate R45 billion annual cost required for free higher education.

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Which of the following was a stated demand during the violent confrontation at the University of the Witwatersrand on September 19, 2016?

Answer: The immediate implementation of free, decolonized education for black people.

Explanation: During the violent confrontation at the University of the Witwatersrand on September 19, 2016, a key demand articulated by students was the immediate implementation of free, decolonized education for black people.

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Violence, Damage, and Controversies

The estimated cost of property damage caused by the #FeesMustFall protests reached approximately R800 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: Reports indicated that the property damage resulting from the protests reached approximately R800 million by October 2016.

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Allegations surfaced that police deliberately targeted student leaders during the 2016 protests to undermine the movement.

Answer: True

Explanation: Students alleged that police deliberately targeted movement leaders with the intent of undermining the protests, including claims of abduction and abuse.

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Incidents of student violence during the protests included setting fire to vehicles and vandalizing campus property.

Answer: True

Explanation: Reported incidents of student violence included setting fire to vehicles and vandalizing campus property.

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According to reports from October 2015, fewer than 10 students were arrested during the initial protests.

Answer: False

Explanation: Reports from October 2015 indicated around 30 students were arrested during protests, with another report mentioning 23 arrests related to tuition fee hike plans.

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The Law Library at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Howard College was burned down during the 2016 protests.

Answer: True

Explanation: On September 6, 2016, students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Howard College campus set fire to the Law Library.

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A total of 567 #FeesMustFall protesters were arrested between February and October 2016.

Answer: True

Explanation: A News24 report from October 17, 2016, stated that precisely 567 #FeesMustFall protesters had been arrested since February 2016.

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The South African Department of Higher Education and Training calculated the damage caused during the 2015 protests to be over R300 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Department of Higher Education and Training calculated the damage caused during the 2015 protests to be R300,302,848.58.

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On October 10, 2016, police used rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse students at the University of Witwatersrand, resulting in injuries and arrests.

Answer: True

Explanation: On October 10, 2016, police dispersed students at the University of Witwatersrand using rubber bullets and stun grenades, leading to injuries and arrests.

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What was the estimated cost of property damage attributed to the #FeesMustFall protests by October 2016?

Answer: Approximately R600 million to R800 million

Explanation: By October 2016, estimates for the property damage caused by the #FeesMustFall protests ranged from R600 million to nearly R800 million.

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Which of the following methods was reportedly used by police to disperse student protesters?

Answer: Stun grenades, tasers, rubber bullets, and water cannons.

Explanation: Reports indicate that police employed a range of forceful tactics to disperse protesters, including stun grenades, tasers, rubber bullets, and water cannons.

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Which of the following was reported as an incident of student violence during the protests?

Answer: Setting fire to vehicles and vandalizing campus property.

Explanation: Incidents of student violence reported during the protests included setting fire to vehicles and vandalizing campus property.

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What action did students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal take on September 6, 2016?

Answer: They burned the Law Library at Howard College.

Explanation: On September 6, 2016, students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Howard College campus set fire to the Law Library, destroying rare legal texts.

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According to a News24 report in October 2016, how many #FeesMustFall protesters had been arrested since February 2016?

Answer: Exactly 567

Explanation: A News24 report from October 17, 2016, stated that precisely 567 #FeesMustFall protesters had been arrested since February 2016.

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What was the estimated cost of damages to educational infrastructure during the 2015 #FeesMustFall protests, according to the South African Department of Higher Education and Training?

Answer: R300,302,848.58

Explanation: The South African Department of Higher Education and Training calculated the financial damage to university infrastructure resulting from the 2015 protests to be R300,302,848.58.

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Incidents and Controversies

A cleaner died during the 2016 protests at the University of the Witwatersrand after a fire extinguisher was discharged.

Answer: True

Explanation: A cleaner at the University of the Witwatersrand died following the discharge of a fire extinguisher during the 2016 protests.

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Family members stated that the intense student engagements during the protests negatively impacted Professor Bongani Mayosi's mental health, contributing to his later suicide.

Answer: True

Explanation: Family members reported that the intense nature of student engagements adversely affected Professor Bongani Mayosi's mental health, which they believe contributed to his suicide.

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What tragic incident involving a cleaner occurred during the 2016 protests at the University of the Witwatersrand?

Answer: A cleaner died due to an apparent asthma attack after a fire extinguisher discharge.

Explanation: During the 2016 protests at the University of the Witwatersrand, a cleaner tragically passed away following the discharge of a fire extinguisher.

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According to family members, what was the impact of the 'vitriolic character of student engagements' on Professor Bongani Mayosi?

Answer: It negatively affected his mental health, contributing to his suicide.

Explanation: Family members of Professor Bongani Mayosi reported that the intense and often hostile nature of student engagements during the protests adversely impacted his mental well-being, contributing to his subsequent suicide.

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Outcomes and Legacy

The #FeesMustFall movement led to a decrease in the South African government's budget for higher education.

Answer: False

Explanation: The movement resulted in an increase in the South African government's higher education budget by R17 billion over three years.

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A significant legacy of the #FeesMustFall protests was the establishment of a national bursary scheme guaranteeing free higher education for all students.

Answer: False

Explanation: The legacy was the guarantee of free higher education primarily for students from poor and working-class backgrounds, not for all students.

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The #FeesMustFall protests discouraged South African universities from adopting blended learning methods.

Answer: False

Explanation: The protests encouraged universities to increase the use of blended learning to ensure course continuity for students not participating in demonstrations.

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A study concluded that the decolonisation focus of the 2016 protests was more successful than the 2015 protests in achieving its aims.

Answer: False

Explanation: A study found the decolonisation focus of the 2016 protests to be less successful in achieving tangible outcomes compared to 2015, though it raised public awareness.

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Public support for the #FeesMustFall movement remained consistently high throughout the duration of the protests.

Answer: False

Explanation: Initially, the movement garnered significant public support, but this support reportedly declined as the protests became associated with violence.

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The South African government planned to decrease subsidies to universities following the #FeesMustFall protests.

Answer: False

Explanation: The South African government increased subsidies to universities by 10.9% annually following the protests.

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The Institute of Race Relations argued that the #FeesMustFall movement enhanced freedom of speech on university campuses.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Institute of Race Relations criticized the movement for promoting intolerance and eroding freedom of speech on campuses.

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The #FeesMustFall movement led to the creation of a national bursary scheme for students from middle-class backgrounds.

Answer: False

Explanation: The national bursary scheme established guaranteed free higher education primarily for students from poor and working-class backgrounds.

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The Institute of Race Relations criticized the #FeesMustFall movement for promoting intolerance and eroding freedom of speech.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Institute of Race Relations criticized the movement for fostering intolerance and diminishing freedom of speech on university campuses.

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The South African government increased its higher education budget by R17 billion over three years in response to the protests.

Answer: True

Explanation: In response to the protests, the South African government allocated an additional R17 billion to the higher education budget over a three-year period.

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What was a major positive impact of the #FeesMustFall movement on government funding for higher education?

Answer: An increase in the government's higher education budget by R17 billion over three years.

Explanation: A significant outcome of the movement was the South African government's decision to increase its higher education budget by R17 billion over a three-year period.

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The #FeesMustFall protests led to the guarantee of free higher education primarily for which group?

Answer: Students from poor and working-class backgrounds.

Explanation: A key legacy of the protests was the establishment of free higher education, primarily guaranteed for students originating from poor and working-class socioeconomic backgrounds.

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How did the #FeesMustFall movement influence the adoption of blended learning in universities?

Answer: It encouraged universities to increase the use of blended learning to ensure course continuity.

Explanation: The disruptions caused by the #FeesMustFall protests prompted South African universities to enhance their adoption of blended learning methodologies to maintain course continuity.

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What criticism did the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) direct at the #FeesMustFall movement?

Answer: The movement promoted intolerance and eroded freedom of speech on campuses.

Explanation: The Institute of Race Relations criticized the movement for fostering an environment of intolerance and diminishing freedom of speech within university settings.

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A study by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation found the decolonisation focus of the 2016 protests to be:

Answer: Less successful than the 2015 protests, but raised public awareness.

Explanation: A study concluded that the decolonisation focus of the 2016 protests was less successful in achieving tangible outcomes compared to 2015, though it significantly raised public awareness on the issue.

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What did the South African government do regarding the budget for higher education in response to the protests?

Answer: Increased the budget by R17 billion over three years.

Explanation: In response to the protests, the South African government allocated an additional R17 billion to the higher education budget over a three-year period.

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What was the initial public reaction to the #FeesMustFall movement?

Answer: Significant public support, which later declined due to violence.

Explanation: Initially, the #FeesMustFall movement garnered considerable public support. However, this widespread approval began to decline as instances of violence became associated with the protests.

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