By Michael Andisile Mayalo
South Africa is marked by its history of struggle, resilience, and hope for a better future. The fight for equal access to education has been one of the most prominent battles in recent decades. The "Fees Must Fall" movement, which began in 2015, symbolised the dreams of a generation of students who sought to break the shackles of an expensive and exclusive higher education system.
These students envisioned a society where higher education would be accessible to all without the barriers of race, class, or economic privilege. However, the current situation painfully reminds us that these hopes remain largely unfulfilled. In 2025, South Africa's higher education crisis has deepened. Thousands of students still struggle to secure the funding they need to pursue their studies. Despite various political promises, including the pledge by the governing coalition, the Government of National Unity (GNU), the reality for many students is bleak.
Students remain unfunded, the government owes institutions large amounts, and countless others are left without accommodation. They are forced to face the uncertainty of whether they can even register for the next academic year. The fact that some students might find themselves on the streets due to these failures is a tragedy that cannot be ignored.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) and several other parties that are part of the GNU have long been critical of the "Fees Must Fall" movement. They have argued that the movement's call for free education is financially unsustainable and would impose an undue burden on the state. These parties have often suggested that solutions lie in more nuanced approaches, such as targeting subsidies for the poorest students, improving the efficiency of existing funding mechanisms, and increasing private sector involvement in funding education.
Yet, as we look at the current landscape, these promises have not materialised into meaningful change. The DA’s critical stance towards "Fees Must Fall" rings hollow today. The harsh reality South African students face suggests that their voices have not been heard. If anything, the GNU’s failure to adequately address the education crisis has exposed the shortcomings of its leadership. The lofty promises of accessible education and equal opportunities seem increasingly empty as the most vulnerable in society—those who desperately need education to break the cycle of poverty—are left in limbo.
The main issue lies in the lack of funding for students and the broader dysfunction within the education system itself. Universities across the country are facing severe financial constraints. Due to years of underfunding, many institutions cannot provide the resources and support students need to succeed. Inadequate accommodation, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of essential support services are only some of the challenges students face. These structural issues are exacerbated by the ongoing student protests, which only highlight the disillusionment with the system. Students have been forced to take to the streets once again in a desperate plea for justice and equality in education.
The GNU's approach to higher education has been piecemeal at best. Rather than offering long-term solutions to the systemic problems in the education system, the government has chosen to delay or partially address the crisis with temporary solutions that fail to make a lasting impact. While the government claims to have increased funding for higher education in recent years, it has not been enough to cover the growing demand. The result is that many students are left out in the cold, unable to access the education that could transform their lives. We are witnessing a systemic failure that will have long-lasting consequences for South Africa's future. A generation of students, many of whom come from marginalized backgrounds, are being denied the opportunities they deserve.
Their dreams of becoming doctors, engineers, teachers, and scientists are slipping away, and they are being left behind in a society that claims to champion equality and justice. This is a crisis that should not be allowed to persist. It is time for the GNU and all political parties to acknowledge that education is not a privilege but a fundamental human right. The future of South Africa depends on an educated populace that can contribute meaningfully to the economy and society. Without a strong commitment to reforming the education system, the country will continue to see economic inequality perpetuated, social unrest grow, and the dreams of countless students shattered.
The "Fees Must Fall" movement is not a relic of the past but a call to action that is more relevant than ever. The government must listen to the demands of students and take bold steps to ensure that higher education is accessible to all, regardless of their financial situation. This means fully funding higher education, addressing the issues of accommodation and infrastructure, and ensuring no student is left behind. The DA and other parties that have been critical of the movement must reflect on their role in perpetuating the current crisis and be willing to engage in meaningful solutions rather than focusing on partisan politics. Ultimately, the time for rhetoric is over. South Africa's students are in crisis, and all political leaders must step up and provide the education system that this nation deserves—one that is inclusive, equitable, and truly transformative. If we fail them now, we fail the future of South Africa itself.
* Mayalo is an independent writer, analyst, and commentator
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.