What was the primary objective of the #FeesMustFall movement that began in South Africa in October 2015?

The #FeesMustFall movement's main goals were to protest against increases in student fees at South African universities and to advocate for greater government funding for higher education.

When did the #FeesMustFall movement officially take place?

The movement began in mid-October 2015 and continued into October 2016, with a revival in mid-August 2016.

Where did the #FeesMustFall protests initially start, and how did they spread?

The protests began at the University of the Witwatersrand and subsequently spread to the University of Cape Town and Rhodes University, before rapidly expanding to other universities across South Africa.

What was the immediate cause of the protests that started at the University of the Witwatersrand in October 2015?

The protests were triggered by the university's announcement of a 10.5% increase in fees for the following year, which was significantly higher than the prevailing inflation rate.

What were the four main reasons cited by the University of the Witwatersrand's chief financial officer for the proposed fee increase?

The reasons provided were: 1. The depreciation of the rand against the dollar and euro, increasing costs for imported resources like library books and research equipment. 2. A necessary 7% salary increase for academics to retain talent. 3. General inflation of around 6%. 4. Substantially higher increases in utility costs compared to general inflation.

Beyond fee increases, what other underlying issues contributed to the background of the #FeesMustFall protests?

Broader issues included a lack of funding for poorer students, high salaries for university managers, a real decline in government funding for higher education, a lack of social transformation within universities, and wider socio-economic and racial inequalities in South Africa.

What was the initial outcome of the protests at the University of the Witwatersrand in October 2015?

Following a three-day student lockdown, the university agreed to suspend the fee increase, renegotiate it, and refrain from seeking disciplinary action against participating students and staff.

How did the #FeesMustFall movement evolve in 2016?

The movement revived in August 2016 after the Minister of Higher Education announced potential fee increases capped at 8% for 2017, allowing individual institutions to set the exact percentage.

What was the South African government's response to the protests in October 2015?

President Jacob Zuma announced that there would be no tuition fee increases for 2016, which was seen as a significant victory for the movement.

What was the estimated cost of property damage caused by the #FeesMustFall protests?

By October 2016, the Department of Education estimated the total cost of property damage since 2015 to be R600 million, with other reports later suggesting it reached nearly R800 million.

What methods did police reportedly use to disperse student protesters during the #FeesMustFall movement?

Police reportedly used stun grenades, tasers, coloured gas, riot shields, truncheons, rubber bullets, and water cannons.

What allegations were made regarding police targeting of student leaders during the 2016 protests?

Students alleged that police were targeting leaders to weaken the movement, with claims of abduction, abuse, interrogation, and being abandoned in remote areas. Shaeera Kalla, the 2015 SRC president, reported being shot nine times with rubber bullets at close range.

How did the police respond to the allegations of targeting student leaders?

The South African Police denied these allegations, with a spokesperson stating that police were reminded to exercise maximum restraint and act within the law.

What incidents of student violence were reported during the protests?

Reported incidents included turning violent when denied entrance to buildings, throwing rocks at police and security guards, setting fire to vehicles and a portable toilet, vandalizing campus security offices, and alleged intimidation of staff and non-participating students.

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

In response to the protests, the South African government increased its budget for higher education by R17 billion over three years, with subsidies to universities projected to increase by 10.9% annually.

What was the legacy of the #FeesMustFall protests regarding financial aid for students?

The protests led to the guarantee of free higher education for students from poor and working-class backgrounds, resulting in the creation of a national bursary scheme. This scheme allocated R12.4 billion in 2018, with plans to increase to R24.3 billion by 2020.

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

The protests increased the use of blended learning by South African universities as a method to help non-protesting students continue and complete their courses.

What criticism did the Institute of Race Relations level against the #FeesMustFall and #RhodesMustFall movements?

The Institute of Race Relations criticized the movements for eroding freedom of speech in South African universities by promoting intolerance of alternative viewpoints, citing actions ranging from shouting down opponents to intimidation and violence.

What happened to a cleaner at the University of the Witwatersrand during the 2016 protests?

A cleaner died due to an apparent asthma attack after a fire extinguisher was discharged in Jubilee Hall on campus. The cleaner received hospital treatment but later died after discharge.

What was the outcome of the Fees Commission established following the protests?

The Fees Commission began its hearings in August 2016, including submissions from student representatives and unions. The Council on Higher Education recommended an inflation-related increase for university fees in 2017, deeming a 0% increase unsustainable.

What specific action did students at the University of the Witwatersrand take on September 19, 2016, after the Minister of Higher Education announced fee increases?

Students mobilized to shut down their campus, blockading entrances. When denied access to the Great Hall by riot police, some protesters resorted to violence, destroying concrete objects and throwing them at security guards.

What was the stated demand of students at the University of the Witwatersrand during the violent confrontation on September 19, 2016?

The students demanded 'free decolonized education for black people'.

What was the reported impact of the 'vitriolic character of student engagements' during the protests on Professor Bongani Mayosi?

Family members of Professor Bongani Mayosi stated that the intense student engagements negatively affected his mental health, contributing to his suicide in 2018.

How did the 2016 protests differ in focus from the 2015 protests, according to a study by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation?

The study concluded that the decolonisation focus of the 2016 protests was less successful than the 2015 protests, although it did bring the issue of decolonising educational institutions and the alienation of black students and staff to public attention.

What happened on October 21, 2015, when approximately 5,000 protesters marched on the South African Parliament?

Protesters broke through parliamentary gates and staged a sit-in. Riot police dispersed them using stun grenades and tasers. Police warned protesters they were contravening the National Key Points Act, leading to arrests.

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

President Zuma announced that there would be no increase in university fees for 2016. However, students were upset that Zuma did not address them directly, leading some to attempt to storm the Union Buildings, resulting in police using rubber bullets.

What was the initial fee increase proposed by the University of the Witwatersrand that sparked the protests?

The University of the Witwatersrand initially proposed a 10.5% increase in fees.

How many students were arrested during the #FeesMustFall protests according to a report from October 2015?

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

What was the South African government's stance on fee increases for 2017, as announced by Minister Blade Nzimande?

Minister Blade Nzimande announced that university fees could increase in 2017, but the increases would be capped at 8%. He also stated the government was working on financial assistance for students from families earning below R600,000 annually.

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

Students blocked vehicle access to the campus by placing rocks and dustbins on the roads, and the #RhodesMustFall movement occupied the university's administration building.

What was the reported outcome of the protests on October 23, 2015, regarding the Union Buildings?

Following a meeting with President Zuma, a protest outside the Union Buildings saw a small group become violent, leading police to use tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets. President Zuma announced no fee increase for 2016.

What did the study by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation conclude about the decolonisation focus of the 2016 protests?

The study concluded that the decolonisation focus of the 2016 protests was less successful than in 2015, but it did successfully bring the issue of decolonising educational institutions and the alienation of black students and staff to broader public attention.

What was the estimated cost of damages to educational infrastructure due to the #FeesMustFall protests?

The protests were estimated to have caused around R800 million in damages to educational infrastructure.

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

Protesters at the University of KwaZulu-Natal burned the Law Library at Howard College in Durban, which contained rare early texts in Roman-Dutch law.

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

Initially, the protest movement enjoyed significant public support, but this began to wane as the protests turned violent.

What was the total number of arrests reported for #FeesMustFall protesters since February 2016, according to a News24 report?

According to a News24 report on October 17, 2016, 567 #FeesMustFall protesters had been arrested since February of that year.

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

The government increased the budget allocated for higher education by R17 billion over a three-year period and stated that government subsidies to universities would increase by 10.9% annually.

What specific claim was made about the cost of corruption annually in South Africa in relation to funding free education?

It was claimed that R60 billion was lost annually due to corruption, and that providing free education at the current standard would cost R45 billion annually, suggesting that addressing corruption could fund free education.

What was the outcome of the 2015 protest, leading to the end of that year's demonstrations?

The 2015 protest concluded when the South African government announced that there would be no tuition fee increases for 2016.

What specific action did students at the University of Pretoria reportedly initiate plans for on October 21, 2015?

Students at the University of Pretoria reportedly initiated plans to lock down three of the university's campuses for Wednesday, October 21.

What was the stated reason for the high fee increase proposed by the University of the Witwatersrand?

The university's chief financial officer cited the falling rand-dollar exchange rate, salary increases for academics, general inflation, and rising utility costs as reasons for the proposed fee increase.

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

The Council on Higher Education recommended an inflation-related increase for South Africa's universities in 2017, stating that a 0% fee increase would be unsustainable.

What was the immediate response from students at the University of the Witwatersrand following Minister Nzimande's announcement on September 19, 2016?

Students at the University of the Witwatersrand mobilized to shut down their campus and blockaded entrances.

What specific criticism was made by the Institute of Race Relations regarding the #FeesMustFall movement's impact on university campuses?

The Institute of Race Relations criticized the movement for promoting intolerance of alternative viewpoints and eroding freedom of speech on South African university campuses.

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?

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

What specific incident occurred at the University of Cape Town on October 19, 2015, involving riot police?

Riot police were called to forcibly evict protesters from the university's administration building, resulting in the arrest of over 25 students late at night.

What was the reported reaction of President Jacob Zuma when protesters gathered outside the Union Buildings on October 23, 2015?

President Zuma announced from within the Union Buildings that there would be no increase in university fees for 2016, but he did not address the protesters directly.

What specific action did students at Fort Hare University take on October 20, 2015, regarding exams and fee increases?

Students at Fort Hare University began protests and a campus lockdown, refusing to disperse or write exams until university management addressed concerns over fee increases and corruption.

What was the stated goal of the #FeesMustFall movement in London on October 23, 2015?

A group of around 200 students gathered in Trafalgar Square in front of South Africa House to show support for the protesting students in South Africa.

What specific claim was made about the cost of corruption annually in South Africa in relation to funding free education?

It was claimed that R60 billion was lost annually due to corruption, and that providing free education at the current standard would cost R45 billion annually, suggesting that addressing corruption could fund free education.

What specific action did students at the University of Witwatersrand take on October 10, 2016, which led to arrests and injuries?

Students gathered at the Great Hall but were denied access by private security and later by police. Police dispersed the protesters using rubber bullets, stun grenades, and smoke grenades, resulting in two students being injured and 11 arrested.

Feesmustfall Wiki: #FeesMustFall: A Chronicle of Student Activism in South Africa

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Background

The Catalyst: Fee Increases

The #FeesMustFall movement emerged in response to proposed tuition fee increases by South African universities. Specifically, the University of the Witwatersrand announced a 10.5% fee hike for the upcoming academic year, significantly exceeding the prevailing inflation rate. This announcement ignited widespread student discontent, leading to protests that began on October 14, 2015.

University Rationale

University management cited several factors contributing to the necessity of fee increases. These included the depreciation of the South African Rand against major currencies (increasing costs for imported resources like library materials and equipment), mandated salary increases for academic staff (around 7%), general inflation impacting operational expenses, and significantly higher increases in utility costs.

Broader Context and Grievances

Beyond the immediate issue of fee increases, the protests tapped into deeper systemic issues within South Africa's higher education landscape. These included concerns about inadequate government funding for universities, insufficient financial support for financially disadvantaged students, perceived excessive remuneration for university management, a lack of comprehensive social transformation within institutions, and persistent socio-economic and racial inequalities inherited from the apartheid era.

Movement Timeline

October 2015: Escalation

Protests rapidly spread from the University of Witwatersrand to other major institutions like the University of Cape Town and Rhodes University. Initial actions included campus lockdowns and sit-ins. By October 19, protests had reached the University of Pretoria and Cape Peninsula University of Technology. University management at UCT sought court interdicts, leading to arrests, which in turn spurred larger demonstrations.

October 14: Protests begin at Wits University over a 10.5% fee increase.
October 17: Wits management agrees to suspend the fee increase and renegotiate.
October 19: Protests spread to UCT and Rhodes University; UCT applies for a court interdict.
October 20: Protests intensify across multiple universities; students block roads and occupy administration buildings.
October 21: Approximately 5,000 students march on the South African Parliament in Cape Town, leading to clashes with police and arrests.
October 23: President Jacob Zuma announces a freeze on university fee increases for 2016 following nationwide protests.

August-October 2016: Revival

The #FeesMustFall movement reignited in August 2016 following the Minister of Higher Education's announcement of potential fee increases capped at 8% for 2017. This led to renewed protests and a revival of the campaign under the hashtag #FeesMustFall2016. The government, facing pressure, instructed the Finance Minister to find funds to prevent any fee increases for 2017, despite warnings about affordability.

August 2016: The Fees Commission begins hearings; calls for campus shutdowns emerge.
September 19: Minister Blade Nzimande announces fee increases capped at 8% for 2017, sparking immediate protests and campus blockades, particularly at Wits University.
October 2016: Protests continue, marked by clashes with police, alleged intimidation of students and staff, and significant property damage estimated at R600 million.

Financial Impact

Property Damage

The protests resulted in substantial financial costs due to damage to university infrastructure. The South African Department of Higher Education and Training calculated the damage incurred during the 2015 #FeesMustFall protests to be over R300 million. Later estimates suggested the total cost of damages related to the movement could reach R800 million or even R1 billion, with North West University's Mahikeng campus experiencing particularly severe damage.

Government Funding & Bursaries

In response to the protests, the South African government increased its budget allocation for higher education. Over three years, an additional R17 billion was allocated, with annual increases in government subsidies to universities. This led to the establishment of a national bursary scheme in 2018 for students from low-income backgrounds, initially funded at R12.4 billion, with plans for significant future increases.

Movement Revival

The 2016 Resurgence

The announcement of potential fee increases for 2017 triggered a second wave of protests in August 2016, under the banner #FeesMustFall2016. This phase saw renewed campus shutdowns and demonstrations across the country, reflecting ongoing dissatisfaction with the affordability and accessibility of higher education.

Internal Divisions and External Factors

The 2016 protests reportedly faced challenges, including alleged sabotage by political youth organizations and internal divisions within the movement itself. These factors contributed to a perceived loss of momentum compared to the initial 2015 wave.

State Response

Methods of Dispersal

During protests, law enforcement agencies employed various methods to disperse student demonstrators. These included the use of stun grenades, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons. The deployment of these measures, particularly in sensitive locations like Parliament and university campuses, often led to confrontations and heightened tensions.

Allegations of Brutality and Targeting

Significant allegations emerged regarding police brutality and the targeting of student leaders. Reports detailed instances of excessive force, including multiple rubber bullet injuries sustained by student leaders at close range. There were also claims of students being abducted, interrogated, tortured, and abandoned in remote areas. While police spokespersons denied these allegations and emphasized the need for restraint, these claims fueled considerable debate about state conduct during the protests.

Protester Conduct

Incidents of Violence

The protests were not without incidents attributed to students. Reports documented alleged attacks on security guards, including beatings with blunt objects and hospitalization. Instances of property damage, such as vehicles being set on fire and vandalism of campus facilities (including the burning of a library), were also recorded. The use of fire extinguishers in enclosed spaces led to a reported fatality of a university worker due to an asthma attack.

Intimidation and Suppression

Concerns were raised about intimidation tactics employed against university staff and students who did not participate in the protests. Allegations included threats of violence and the creation of an environment perceived as intolerant of dissenting viewpoints, which critics argued eroded freedom of speech on campuses.

Enduring Impact

Policy Achievements

The #FeesMustFall movement achieved significant policy victories. The immediate impact was the prevention of university fee increases in 2016. More broadly, the protests contributed to the national government's commitment to providing free higher education for students from low-income backgrounds, culminating in the establishment of substantial national bursary schemes.

Critiques and Criticisms

Despite its successes, the movement faced criticism. Some analyses suggested that the focus on decolonization in the 2016 protests was less effective than the economic focus of 2015. Critics also pointed to the erosion of free speech and the promotion of intolerance on university campuses. Furthermore, the significant property damage and the alleged role of protest actions in contributing to the mental distress and eventual suicide of a prominent academic were points of serious concern and debate.

Political Alignment

Several individuals prominent in the #FeesMustFall movement later became involved in political activism, with notable figures registering as representatives for the Economic Freedom Fighters party in the 2019 South African general election. The movement's narrative and impact were also captured in media, including the 2019 documentary film Everything Must Fall.

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References

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#FeesMustFall

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Background ℹ️

📢 The Catalyst: Fee Increases

🏛️ University Rationale

⚖️ Broader Context and Grievances

Movement Timeline 📅

🗓️ October 2015: Escalation

📈 August-October 2016: Revival

Financial Impact 💰

💸 Property Damage

🏦 Government Funding & Bursaries

Movement Revival ✊

🔄 The 2016 Resurgence

🗣️ Internal Divisions and External Factors

State Response 🛡️

⚔️ Methods of Dispersal

⚖️ Allegations of Brutality and Targeting

Protester Conduct 💥

🔥 Incidents of Violence

🤫 Intimidation and Suppression

Enduring Impact 🏛️

🏆 Policy Achievements

🤔 Critiques and Criticisms

🗳️ Political Alignment

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Background

The Catalyst: Fee Increases

University Rationale

Broader Context and Grievances

Movement Timeline

October 2015: Escalation

August-October 2016: Revival

Financial Impact

Property Damage

Government Funding & Bursaries

Movement Revival

The 2016 Resurgence

Internal Divisions and External Factors

State Response

Methods of Dispersal

Allegations of Brutality and Targeting

Protester Conduct

Incidents of Violence

Intimidation and Suppression

Enduring Impact

Policy Achievements

Critiques and Criticisms

Political Alignment

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice