As I walk through the university corridors, I’m met with a familiar sight: students stressed about tuition fees, struggling to make ends meet, and anxiously worrying about their future. Far too many students face this harsh reality in higher education. Despite the widespread rhetoric that education is a fundamental right, the truth is that, for many, it has become an unattainable privilege reserved only for the financially well-off.
The recent strike at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is a stark reminder of this inequity and the relentless pressure facing students in pursuit of an education. The images from the UCT strike —students demanding an end to financial exclusions and protesting against rising tuition fees — are a painful reminder of the crisis within our education system. These students are not asking for luxury; they are simply fighting for the right to learn without being crushed under the weight of financial burdens.
What happens at UCT is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, systemic problem that plagues our education system. The current state of affairs is alarming. Students are forced to take on part-time jobs, burden themselves with loans, or go without basic necessities just to remain enrolled. This constant financial struggle directly impacts their academic performance, as it’s nearly impossible to focus on studies when the looming threat of debt or exclusion overshadows every aspect of their life.
The emotional toll is profound, with many students suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression. Mental health is deteriorating, and the impact on their physical well-being can not be ignored. However, the consequences extend far beyond individual students. Society as a whole pays the price when education remains inaccessible. We lose out on brilliant, talented individuals who abandon their dreams due to financial constraints. Our collective future is at risk, and we continue to perpetuate inequality by denying people from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to transform their lives.
How can we expect to build a progressive, innovative society when we systematically exclude vast swathes of the population from accessing education? The solution lies in fundamentally rethinking how we view and fund education. First, we must acknowledge that education is a public good, not a private commodity. Education is the cornerstone of social development, the key to creating equal opportunities and social mobility. As such, it should not be dictated by market forces or corporate interests but instead funded and supported by the state as a shared responsibility for the well-being of society.
This means increasing government investment in education and implementing progressive taxation policies prioritising students' needs over profits. It means providing needs-based scholarships and grants that allow students from all socio-economic backgrounds to pursue their dreams without fear of financial ruin. It also requires a commitment to alternative models of education, such as online and vocational training, that are more affordable and can reach marginalized communities that have historically been underserved by traditional higher education.
However, accessibility is not solely about financial resources. It is about inclusivity and creating a system that welcomes and supports all students, regardless of background, ability, or identity. The education system must foster an environment of empathy, where students with disabilities have the resources they need to succeed, where diversity is reflected in the curriculum, and where different voices and perspectives are heard. Ultimately, the fight for accessible education is a fight for social justice. It is a fight for the right to learn, grow, and realize one’s full potential. It is a fight for the future of our societies, economies, and planet.
Education can transform lives, but this potential is wasted when we allow barriers to keep talented individuals from reaching their goals. As I look around at the students struggling to make ends meet, I am reminded of the transformative power of education, but I am also painfully aware of the obstacles that stand in their way. The UCT strike and the activism of students across the country are calls to action that can not be ignored. It is time for us to unite and demand an education system that is accessible, inclusive, and just. Let us stop treating education as a privilege for the elite and make it a fundamental right for all. Let us create a world where everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation, can access the opportunities they deserve. The future of our world and our peace-loving country depends on it.
*Mayalo is an independent writer, analyst, and commentator
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media