Simthembile Msakatya
To South Africa’s leaders and decision-makers, the question remains: what kind of legacy will you leave behind? How do you want to be remembered? Will you be remembered as guardians of the status quo, or as visionaries who courageously transformed systems to serve the greater good?
Today’s students inherit not only financial struggles but also the courage and determination of the #FeesMustFall generation. Those students didn’t just demand affordable education; they fought for a future where knowledge is a fundamental right not a privilege. As a self-paying student who has shouldered the weight of family sacrifice, I understand the struggle to persevere. But I push forward, driven by the memory of those who never had the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
A true legacy empowers future generations. The question is: will you build upon the foundation laid by the #FeesMustFall movement, or let it fade away due to inaction and indifference? Choose to be remembered for dismantling broken systems and crafting something better, rather than preserving the status quo.
Power may fade but your legacy can forever shape South Africa’s future. Choose transformation.
Modernizing Legacy Systems: A South African Imperative for Educational Justice
Simthembile Msakatya
The corporate world often grapples with upgrading legacy systems to stay competitive. A challenge similar to the one facing South Africa’s education sector. Outdated social, economic, and institutional structures continue to hinder equal access to higher education for many; mirroring inefficiencies of legal systems. Upgrading these structures is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable education system. The #FeesMustFall movement erupted in 2015. Highlighting the pressing need to "modernize" our approach to education—not through software updates, but through a complete overhaul of systems rooted in inequality and exclusion (Badat, 2016).
South Africa’s higher education system, despite advancements, remains shackled to its apartheid legacy. Universities continue to face structural inequalities where affordability, cultural alienation, and inadequate support marginalize Black and economically disadvantaged students (CHE, 2016). Much like legacy systems built for a bygone era, South Africa’s education system was not designed with inclusivity in mind. As a result, hindering its ability to serve a democratic society striving for economic growth, social justice, and innovation (Habib, 2019).
The #FeesMustFall movement marked a pivotal moment in the call to dismantle the legacy of an exclusionary education system and forge a new framework. Students demanded free, decolonized, and accessible education, framing it not merely as a financial issue, but as a moral and constitutional imperative (Langa, 2017). At its core, the movement advocated for a fundamental shift: prioritizing people over profits and recognizing education as a catalyst for national progress. The protests urged the government, universities, and broader society to envision and implement transformative models that bridge the gap between privilege and poverty to foster a more equitable system for all.
Just as companies invest in new technologies to boost productivity. South Africa must invest in its youth’s intellectual capital. This requires restructuring funding models like NSFAS, expanding mental health support, reforming curricula, and improving infrastructure for historically disadvantaged institutions (DHET, 2017). While replacing outdated systems is costly and complex, the long-term consequences of inaction are far more severe: economic stagnation widening inequality, and a disillusioned youth (Swartz et al., 2018).
As a self-funded student, I know this struggle intimately. My first year of university was a crucible, not due to coursework, but the crushing guilt of knowing my family’s financial burden. That burden made it hard to participate fully or excel, even though I knew how much was at stake. Despite the odds, I am here today, a testament to the #FeesMustFall movement. Yet, I am acutely aware that many others are not as fortunate. This awareness fuels my determination to persevere - not just for myself, but for my family and excluded by systemic barriers.
The #FeesMustFall exposed the deep-seated flaws in South Africa’s education system, revealing the urgent need for transformation. To realize our potential as a global leader in equitable education, we must be willing to challenge outdated structures and build new systems that prioritize inclusivity, justice, and progress. This requires bold choices and intentional action, but the reward is worth it: a brighter future for all South Africans.
References
Badat, S. (2016). Deciphering the meanings and explaining the South African higher education student protests of 2015–16. PINS (Psychology in Society), 52, 71–75. https://doi.org/10.17159/2309- 8708/2016/n52a6
Council on Higher Education (CHE). (2016). South African higher education reviewed: Two decades of democracy. CHE. https://www.che.ac.za/sites/default/files/publications/HE%20Review ed%2020%20Years%20of%20Democracy%20web.pdf
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). (2017). Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training (The Heher Commission). https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201711/comm issionreport.pdf
Habib, A. (2019). Rebels and rage: Reflecting on #FeesMustFall. Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Langa, M. (Ed.). (2017). #Hashtag: An analysis of the #FeesMustFall movement at South African universities. Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation. https://www.csvr.org.za/docs/research/Hashtag.pdf
Swartz, S., Mahali, A., Moletsane, R., Arogundade, E. D., Khalema, E. N., Cooper, A., & Odetola, T. D. (2018). Studying while black: Race, education and emancipation in South African universities. HSRC Press.