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?