Let’s all work together

SECTION 29 of our constitution enshrines the right to education, and defines the positive responsibilities of government in this respect. The section states: “Everyone has the right to a basic education, including adult basic education; and to further education, which the state, through reasonable measures, must make progressively available and accessible.”

While the ANC Freedom Charter says: “The Doors of Learning and Culture Shall be Opened! The government shall discover, develop and encourage national talent for the enhancement of our cultural life; All the cultural treasures of mankind shall be open to all, by free exchange of books, ideas and contact with other lands; The aim of education shall be to teach the youth to love their people and their culture, to honour human brotherhood, liberty and peace; Education shall be free, compulsory, universal and equal for all children; Higher education and technical training shall be opened to all by means of state allowances and scholarships awarded on the basis of merit; Adult illiteracy shall be ended by a mass state education plan; Teachers shall have all the rights of other citizens.”

Now you can say I’m having a blonde moment – or old age is setting in – but, both the constitution and the Freedom Charter say EVERYONE has the right to education be it basic, higher or adult education – no where (in either) does it say that higher education should be free.

Someone mentioned that “the Freedom Charter says we have the right to free education”. Yes, the Freedom Charter says children are entitled to free education but, “higher education and technical training shall be opened to all by means of state allowances and scholarships awarded on the basis of merit”.

I fully agree that those who can not afford university fees due to exceptional circumstances should be exempt. But instead of making a blanket statement that parents earning more than R600 000 a year need to pay the fee increase – do an affordability assessment first.

Some parents earning more than that may not have just one child at university, they may have two or three. Then they might still have other children at home. Raising children these days does not come cheap.

More, however, does need to be done for those deserving students who do qualify for “scholarships on the basis of merit”.

One thing I do know is that the Northern Cape does have a Premier’s Bursary fund. However, someone needs to educate this office as there have been numerous complaints by applicants. As a result of this, many a deserving student has missed out on furthering their education.

So although it would be absolutely amazing if our government could afford to provide free tertiary education, we need to start at the bottom and first provide free basic education.

There are also many incidences of young children being refused reports because their parents could not afford to pay school fees that year.

Even though I applaud students for taking a stand and demanding that #FeesMustFall, there is no justification in their behaviour. Destroying property and venting their anger at innocent bystanders is uncalled for.

By all means march and protest outside your university – but be an adult about it all.

What was really impressive in this whole struggle was that students in Johannesburg marched to Cosatu House to seek guidance and assistance. This is how mature students should act. Don’t throw your opportunities away by acting like thugs.

Government should also look introspectively at this issue and proper budget planning should be done. I’m sure Pravin Gordhan can do a bit of a juggling act; and even if free tertiary education can not be provided, at least look at keeping fees as low as possible.

If corruption can also be cut in half maybe more money can come out of that kitty too.

Everybody, as the constitution and the Freedom Charter state, has the right to education. Let’s all work together to ensure this happens.