Kanya Cekeshe: The Journey of a #FeesMustFall Activist: From Incarceration to Transformation
The #FeesMustFall movement, which began in South Africa in 2015, was one of the most significant student-led protests in post-apartheid history. The mission of the movement called for the reduction or elimination of tuition fees in universities. Its focus was not only on reducing and eliminating tuition fees in universities, but it also aimed to address broader issues of inequality and access to higher education in South Africa.
Apartheid: Inequality of education in South Africa
The roots of the #FeesMustFall movement are more than just surface level, they are deeply tied to the historical and systemic inequalities created during apartheid. Under the apartheid regime, black South Africans were denied quality education, being forced to learn under ‘Bantu Education’. Also known as gutter or inferior education, Bantu Education was a system/law enacted in 1953 offering education that only prepared Black people to be laborers as opposed to them acquiring quality education that would prepare them for better positions or better lifestyles. Even after the fall of apartheid in 1994, the education system remained heavily unequal. Public universities had been historically made available mainly to white students, and they began opening their doors to students of all races post-apartheid. However, the high cost of tertiary education meant that many black students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, struggled to afford university fees.
Over time, increasing tuition fees made higher education even more unaffordable for many students. With the majority of black South African families living in poverty, students from these communities found themselves burdened with massive debt or excluded from accessing education altogether.
#FeesMustFall: Where it all started
The #FeesMustFall movement all started when students at the University of the Witwatersrand protested against tuition fee hikes in October 2015. It wasn’t long after that when the movement quickly spread to other universities in South Africa, highlighting the impact of rising costs on poor and working-class students, particularly black students. The movement not only called for an end to fee increments but also criticized the government for failing to deliver on the promise of free education made post the apartheid era. Some of the key events that took place included a national shutdown, protests at Parliament, and a meeting with President Jacob Zuma, resulting in a temporary freeze on fee hikes.
The movement went beyond just protesting against tuition fee hike, it went further to address broader issues of decolonization and transformation within South African universities, challenging institutional racism and colonial legacies. Despite government resistance, some victories were achieved, including President Zuma’s announcement of free higher education for students from low-income households. However, challenges persisted, including concerns about funding and the need for deeper structural and cultural changes within universities.
#FeesMustFall embodies a legacy that sparked discussions on economic inequality, race, and access to education in South Africa, highlighting the ongoing impact of apartheid and the need for genuine transformation. The movement unveiled a new form of youth activism, demanding accountability from the government and pushing for meaningful change in a society still grappling with the legacy of apartheid.
Kanya Cekeshe: The journey of a #FeesMustFall activist
In 2015, the #FeesMustFall movement swept across South African universities, demanding free, decolonized education. It was a historic moment that saw thousands of students not only rallying behind free, decolonized education but other systemic inequalities. Among the many activists who emerged from this movement was Kanya Cekeshe, whose life took a dramatic turn after being incarcerated for his role in the protests. He was sentenced for eight years in prison, of which three were suspended – for public violence and malicious damage to property. Cekeshe pleaded guilty to setting a police vehicle alight during a #FeesMustFall protest in 2016.
“I think we lost the ball when we allowed people to change the narrative or the messaging for us”, says #FeesMustFall activist Kanya Cekeshe.
He was one of the thousands of prisoners who benefited from a remission of sentence for certain categories of prisoners, which was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on December 16, 2019. We explore his upbringing, how the experience of imprisonment affected his personal wellbeing, reshaped his career path, and led to a transformation that continues to inspire others. We further touch on whether he thinks the movement has sparked a change in the current state of education in South Africa.
Upbringing and Aspirations
Kanya Cekeshe was raised in the Eastern Cape, South Africa by his grandmother – later moving to Gauteng to stay with his parents. “I had a really vibrant, colorful upbringing, with a taste or a bit of everything”, says Kanya. The activist did most of his schooling in Gauteng, and as with most learners after high school, he was very confused on what career/course to pursue. As he said “after high school was a very confused time for me, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I went into law, but it didn’t feel right for me, even though I was doing well in it, because at the time I felt I was more of a creative person.” In 2015, Cekeshe then left law to pursue his studies in the media and television field. Not long after that, he formed part of the #FeesMustFall movement. Due to his participation in the movement, he got expelled from his school of study.
The Incarceration
Post his struggles of securing funding for his studies, Cekeshe felt the need to fight for free, decolonized education. This cause was beyond him, he was not only doing it for himself, but for generations to come – he didn’t want his siblings to go through what he went through. However, his drive to change and challenge the system landed him in hot water. Cekeshe was now faced with charges that resulted in a prison sentence that was to change his life forever.
His imprisonment took a toll on him – as expected. As he describes “I became a shell of myself. I got sick in prison and post prison to the point where I thought I was dying.” He spent most of his time in prison reflecting on his life, and as he says “he felt a sense of betrayal not only from the system but from some of his fellow activists as well”. The experience left him questioning his purpose and whether the fight for free education had been worth the personal cost.
Cekeshe further recalls the overwhelming sense of hopelessness that set in during those months. Hopelessness that also translates to the #FeesMustFall cause, Cekeshe feels that the movement didn’t serve its purpose and there’s still more than can be done for transformation.
Change and Challenges
When asked whether or not his passion for media is still intact, Cekeshe said “my drive for media has changed, I’m not the person that I was back then. I come from a very difficult time, I was broken in so many pieces. I not only lost the drive for media, but life itself.” Returning to everyday life for Cekeshe was difficult. He went to therapy post his incarceration, allowing him to not rediscover himself, but to transform himself.
Despite the challenges, Kanya Cekeshe refused to let their experience define them. The time spent reflecting in prison led to a reevaluation of his goals. While the passion for media may have taken a turn, he decided to channel his energy into a different field. Cekeshe is looking forward to leading a new life, going back to school and working on his mental/emotional wellbeing.
Their story is one of resilience and transformation. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, it is possible to find new purpose. Kanya Cekeshe remains a symbol of the ongoing struggle for a more equitable society and an inspiration to those who continue to fight for the causes they believe in.
Final Thoughts
The #FeesMustFall movement was a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history, challenging the system. While this movement brought about important changes, it also revealed the lingering inequalities in South Africa’s education system. As the country continues to address issues of affordability, access, and transformation in education and other systems, the movement serves as a powerful symbol of the unfinished business of liberation. Sacrifices made by activists like Kanya Cekeshe will not be forgotten. His journey from incarceration to personal transformation highlights the complexities of activism and the importance of mental health support for those on the frontlines. As he continues to navigate his new path, Cekeshe stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fight for a better future, even when the cost is high.
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