The Lack Of Humanity

Anti-Xenophobia starts with me

Speaking in different tongues doesn't mean we are different in humanity, living in diversified households doesn't mean that one needs to be viewed inferior to another. Let’s take South Africa for instance, why is it that when foreign citizens come into our country we are quick to curse and violate against them, forgetting that the same foreigners were the ones helping South Africa fight for emancipation? Food in that regard.

The reason why Xenophobia occurs, in most cases, is that foreigners “fly in” with criminal minds and start up illegal business, prostitution and theft but that’s just myth.

In a way xenophobia is another word for apartheid in the context that, we experience civil war within the African continent whereas we are supposed to look after one another and bind together so that we can develop ourselves and rise above all odds.

Since South Africa has turned into being a democratic country, it is carrying a heavy load in having to take care of its citizens as well as people from other countries across the globe.

I’m not condoning xenophobia. It’s a very complex matter, allowing fellow citizens to be all mainstream about it. Let's evaluate the whole xenophobic issue...honestly speaking, foreigners are overpopulating our country. It’s unfair for fellow South Africans because they had to fight their own battles – apartheid to be precise – and managed to overcome it for freedom but then why are we still experiencing issues such as xenophobia, racism,  human persecution, poverty and unemployment? 

The story behind #SayNoToXenophobia was implemented with the intention of trying to alleviate Xenophobic attacks across the continent, whereby social media users can be able to follow through and spread the word to make the campaign possible. Many brands and companies responded to the movement by being involved in spreading the word to help stop xenophobia in Africa – South Africa in particular because this is where it all started. For instance, one brand that took initiative in joining the movement is The Premier Soccer League which consists of a certain percentage of foreign players. The brand became involved because it didn’t want to experience the trauma of losing players over xenophobic attacks.

Africa unite against xenophobia

Being Xenophobic is absurd. These people are also human beings, we only differ in language. Let's all stand together, be cautious to our fellowmen and uphold all principles that are moral and true in fulfilling the #SayNoToXenophobia movement. After all, we are all foreigners somewhere.

The Movement That Shook The Nation

Youth Empowerment On Social Media

Social Media right . . . How powerful is this platform? If it can influence the whole nation to come together and force high authorities to concede to citizens' demands, then clearly it can be utilized to address socio-economic issues such as crime, unemployment and poverty.

The #FeesMustFall campaign has gained international support and has also proved that social media has the deepest influence in any given situation, comparing the entire FeesMustFall movement with the 1976 Soweto massacre.

It’s so amazing how a “hashtag” can influence those in authority to meet the demands of the needy in the best possible way through virtual communication as it is taking over the world, allowing the general public to voice its opinions whenever it needs/wants to. 

Wits SRC President - Nompendulo Mkatshwa leading the student protest in Pretoria on #FeesMustFall movement

Thousands of students, across the nation, marched to the Union Buildings to get closure on the fee increment issue.  ‘FreeEducation For All’ is highly impossible as long as SA is still a developing country. The entire movement was misinterpreted simply because the main purpose was not to have fees at all – free education.

Students have become increasingly furious with the fact that the government has repeatedly failed to live up to its promises and responsibilities, and now considering that South Africa’s unemployment rate is increasing by the year, students are forced to take matters into their own hands and push the government to deliver on their “free education” promise. 

Students at Union Buildings charging to be heard over #FeesMustFall

It’s been over 10 years since the government has been singing the same song regarding free education. In my opinion, for that to actually become a reality, two important factors need to be dealt with as a prerequisite, namely: adequate education and education facilities as well as high efficiency in SA’s economy. These factors will slowly but surely steer us into the free education area. 

The campaign was established due to the decrease in South Africa's economy, which played a huge impact on both internal and external stakeholders. Therefore the government had no choice but to intervene and make informed decisions to meet the demands of all students to avoid a massive crisis on the education system.

But then do you really think that SA university fees must fall though? 

1. What will happen to the economy of the country?
2. How will institutions survive?
3. Will quality education be implemented? – How?

What do you think of #FeesMustFall being named Newmaker Of The Year 2015?