CODESRIA : Chasing Freedom: Histories, Analyses and Voices of Student Activism in South Africa 1960–2020

 
This book covers diverse histories of student movements in post-apartheid South Africa, taking note of the historical moment of the 1976 student uprisings and the evolution of student activism since that seminal event. Decolonization and reform of the higher education sector are important themes of the book. The volume aims to understand how student movements comprehend and articulate demands for the process of decolonization and Africanization of the curriculum, their transformative effect on the university and the role that a decolonized and African university should play in South African society’s pursuit of freedom. The book explores transformation of universities specifically with regard to race, gender, patriarchy, sexuality, and people living with disabilities in relation to student experiences. The book also deals with aspects related to institutional racism, funding, class, access, violence, and student services. It explores the nature of contemporary student mobilization as a quest for education as freedom in a democratic country, deconstructing the Rhodes Must Fall and Fees Must Fall movements that have reignited interest in the role of student activism in South African society. This book is timeless and timely: celebrating and critiquing student activism in transforming higher education, society and our times.

About the Editors

Zukiswa Mqolomba is a former SRC President of the University of Cape Town, former Provincial Executive Committee member of SASCO and alumnus student leader. She is a Mandela Rhodes Scholar and Chevening scholar. She has two master’s degrees and also holds an executive leadership training certificate. Mqolomba now works for the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Suntosh R. Pillay is a clinical psychologist and researcher in the public sector in Durban, South Africa, with roots in student journalism, community mobilizing and mental health advocacy. He completed his Masters in Social Sciences degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and is affiliated to UKZN’s Department of Clinical Medicine. He is committed to developing critical psychopolitical theory and practices in South Africa.