Latest news with #FeesMustFall
IOL News
26-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Economic Freedom Fighters: A Beacon of Hope for South Africa's Forgotten Communities
Julius Malema delivers a speech during the launch of his new political party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on July 26, 2013 in Soweto. The EFF celebrates its 12th anniversary in Khayelitsha, Cape Town today. Image: AFP Carl Niehaus As we celebrate the 12th anniversary of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) today, we are filled with a sense of revolutionary pride. This marks a celebration of a grassroots liberation movement that has been a beacon for the poor and marginalised African people, the oppressed, and the forgotten black masses of South Africa. Born from tragedy and injustice, the EFF represents the spirit of economic emancipation, turning despair into hope. From Marikana's bloodstained fields to Mthatha's flood-ravaged homes, the party's journey underscores its dedication to the poor over 12 years. In a landscape of empty promises, the EFF not only voices the forgotten's plight but lives and fights it relentlessly. The EFF's origins are rooted in the nation's sorrowful history, emerging from the 2012 Marikana massacre, where police killed 34 mineworkers during a wage strike. This exposed the exploitation of black labour in post-apartheid South Africa, which promised freedom but delivered inequality. The workers' anguish sparked radical change. On July 26, 2013, at Uncle Tom's Hall in Soweto—a site of resistance—the EFF was launched, vowing economic freedom in our lifetime. This pledge to break inequality's chains has been upheld with resolve for a dozen years. Central to the EFF's ethos are its Seven Cardinal Pillars, a blueprint to end systemic exploitation and injustice faced by black Africans. These include expropriating land without compensation, nationalising mines and banks, and providing free quality education, healthcare, and housing. They confront colonialism and apartheid's scars, calling for wealth redistribution to empower the masses. For 12 years, these pillars have guided the EFF, inspiring actions aligned with the people's needs. Over these years, the EFF has become the champion of the African poor, oppressed workers, students, landless, unemployed, and exploited black women—not just in South Africa but across Africa. It extends solidarity to the continent's forgotten, positioning itself as their voice. The party has led campaigns against gender-based violence, highlighting how patriarchy worsens poverty. A key achievement was its role in the 2015-2016 Fees Must Fall movement, where students protested high fees barring access to education. The EFF provided strategic leadership, amplifying demands in Parliament and sparking a national reckoning. From this, a new generation of EFF leaders—youth from poor backgrounds—has emerged, carrying the torch with passion. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ To the poor, the EFF is a lifeline and guardian of rights where service delivery fails. In local governance, EFF representatives have driven community upliftment in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane, and other municipalities. They've fought for better housing, water, sanitation, and infrastructure against opposition. Notably, the EFF advocates for the homeless in Alexandra, Soweto, Daveyton, Tembisa, Seshego, and townships nationwide, demanding land reclamation for self-empowerment. This aligns with the vision of people-owned land utilisation, transforming barren areas into prosperous communities. The EFF consistently advocates for the black poor's needs, from workplace exploitation and unemployment to university barriers and NYDA failures. In healthcare, it pushes for 24/7 community centres and clinics. In Johannesburg, MMC for Health Cllr Ennie Makhafola has established such facilities, ensuring timely care for the poor. MMC for Safety and Security Dr Mgcini Tshwaku has tackled drug lords, reclaimed crime-ridden buildings, and sensitised police to the poor's vulnerabilities, prioritising township safety over wealthy suburbs. The EFF is deeply rooted in communities, earning recognition as the party that cares and delivers justice. It addresses unfair dismissals, women's exploitation, denied education, and unemployment through direct campaigns. Under Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema, it challenges authority, echoing Marikana's radical spirit. This was evident in opposing electricity tariff hikes; the EFF welcomed the rejection of Eskom's 35% proposal, condemned approvals, and pressured for reviews. It fought the 2018 VAT increase from 14% to 15% as a burden on the poor and recently halted a 2025/26 proposal via legal challenges. The party also battles fuel price rises, fighting to block levy hikes through court action. This purpose has made the EFF a target of vicious attacks from the political elite and monopoly capital, as it threatens their interests. No other party faces such misrepresentation, but the EFF remains undeterred in pursuing justice. In Parliament, the EFF advances transformative laws, like the 2025 Student Debt Relief Bill by MP Sihle Lonzi. This Private Member's Bill proposes a fund to erase debts under criteria, secure qualifications despite arrears, and democratise education for impoverished youth, addressing economic liberation barriers. The EFF's commitment has recently shone during the June 2025 Eastern Cape floods in Mthatha and beyond, which destroyed lives and homes. The EFF led aid efforts, with CIC Julius Malema embodying empathy. Though the anniversary rally was planned for Mthatha, it was relocated to Khayelitsha in sensitivity to the victims' suffering, worsened by poverty and ANC neglect. Instead, support initiatives were launched, putting people first. This defines the EFF: a people's movement elevating communities. As Frantz Fanon said, political education teaches the poor that everything depends on them, the EFF lives by this wisdom. In as much as our representation in legislature is considered low, we continue to do the work ourselves, letting communities know, from Marikana to Mthatha 12 years later, that they can depend on us. * Carl Niehaus is an EFF Member of Parliament. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
The South African
24-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Lasizwe 'haunted' by R2m student donation scandal
Lasizwe has revisited the pain of the R2 million student fee crowdfunding initiative he was accused of pocketing several years ago. In 2021, the influencer started the #R10GoesALongWay initiative to help students around South Africa pay their registration and tuition fees. On his X platform, Lasizwe once again addressed accusations he pocketed R2 million he had raised to aid South African students. He posted: 'Four years ago, I was dragged through the mud over claims that I stole R2 million yama students, which was false and it's lies. Till this day, that accusation still haunts me. He continued, ' I'm seeing people joking about it now, but you don't understand the damage it caused. I've spent four years trying to clear my name from something I didn't do.' In 2022, Lasiwe attempted to clear the confusion on the money he had raised. He told TshisaLive: 'This has been popping up, I've been ignoring it. It was long overdue for me to respond and say what happened because people were terrorising me on social media and saying I ate the 2 million. I didn't even see a cent of that 2 million. 'Everything was transferred to the Fundi organisation and they handled the proceedings'. In March 2021, Lasizwe, along with fellow stars Sibu Mabena, Takkies Dinwiddy, and King Aya, started the #R10GoesALongWay initiative to raise funds to assist students during the 'Fees Must Fall' protests around the country. In just a few days, Lasizwe and co. raised R1 million and were matched with another R1 million in a pledge made by Standard Bank. However, there was no word on the cash until August of that year when Lasizwe claimed that whilst over R2 million had been raised, they had only received half the money due to red tape delays. He told the media, 'Some companies that pledged to the initiative had to get tax clearances. And it's been a long process. Fundi [Bursary fund FundiFund] has its own protocols it needs to adhere to.' According to Fundi Fun's website, the money has been used to assist students. It said: 'Over three years, over 480 students were funded for their registration within the various accredited institutions to the value of R2.2million'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
27-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Education Revolution: Namibian President declares free university tuition
The #FeesMustFall movement in South Africa, a student-led campaign that drew global acclaim, was a powerful call for decolonised and affordable education. l HENK KRUGER/FILE Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers 'WE have heard your cries, the fees have fallen,' announced Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. A mere month into her presidency, the first female president of the sub-Saharan nation made waves this week after announcing that university fees would be scrapped from 2026. 'I am pleased to announce that from the next academic year, commencing 2026, tertiary education will become 100% subsidised by the government,' the president said during her first State of the Nation Address in Parliament. She emphasised that 'no registration (or) tuition fees' would be required from any student at a public university or technical college. This is a particularly significant achievement by Nandi-Ndaitwah, considering the #FeesMustFall movement across neighbouring South Africa, a student-led campaign that drew global acclaim as a powerful call for decolonised and affordable education. In South Africa, #FeesMustFall not only emerged as a call to halt increases in student fees, but it also spotlighted systemic inequalities in education, largely deriving from our tyrannical history of apartheid. The systemic injustices within our education systems are not only a critical component of the apartheid legacy in our post-democratic society; they also reflect the failures of the South African government in promoting a critical human right: the right to education. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ In Namibia, the #FeesMustFall movement was a reflection of the South African-led one, with a specific call for a complete shift to free, government-funded tertiary education. Similarly to South Africa, it also called for the further need to address equitable access to education, and recognise that access to quality education is not equal for all Namibians. It is, therefore, groundbreakingly admirable that Nandi-Ndaitwah has taken this significant stride in ensuring equally accessible education across all of Namibia. Continentally, Namibia will be joining Algeria, Botswana, Egypt, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia in the provision of free tuition at public universities. Now, Namibia joins Kenya in their educational commitment: offering free primary and secondary education to its citizens. However, Namibia now stands as the ultimate benchmark, offering free education from the primary schooling level, all the way to tertiary education. This is, indeed, what the youth call 'a big flex' (meaning an impressive feat). President Nandi-Ndaitwah has certainly set the bar high. Her actions reflect a leadership that is not only listening, but also readily taking action. And all African nations desperately need to follow suit. One of the US Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, once cleverly said: 'An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.' This is certainly an outlook that is being upheld in Nandi-Ndaitwah's administration. What needs to be clear is that there is nothing that exempts Namibia from any of the challenges that are faced across African nations. Like many of its neighbours, it also contends with issues of economic access, especially for impoverished communities, shortages in qualified teachers, high dropout and reposition rates, and more. What the Namibian government has done is to meaningfully commit to addressing these challenges by putting their money where their mouth is. They have solidly implemented the subsidisation of fees, and they continue to rework their inclusivity policies, particularly where marginalised groups and foundational education are concerned. 'It is what we make of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from the other'. This profound statement by South Africa's first democratic President, Nelson Mandela, is an exact echo of the performance of Nandi-Ndaitwah. While the youth across the continent hunger for knowledge and innovation, too many of our governments continue to treat education as a secondary concern, throwing words around instead of resources, when we're in a crisis that demands action. We cannot build an independent, thriving Africa on broken chalkboards, underpaid teachers, and overcrowded classrooms. Educating the youth and every member within our society will be critical to the empowerment of our people. As a society, it is pertinent that we demand more than just slogans from those in leadership. We need leaders who prioritise our children's future over comfort and convenience. We need governments that understand that education is not charity, but a right; not a burden, but a backbone of true liberation. The calm before the storm is over. It's time for our leaders to invest, reform, and truly educate, or step aside for those who will. What's truly evident, now more than ever, is that, have examples of prolific leadership emerging across Africa. Leaders like Nandi-Ndaitwah in Namibia and President Ibrahim Traore in Burkina Faso ensure that the pessimistic, harmful narratives and prejudices around African leadership are crumbling to pieces. These are leaders who are stepping up to the plate and truly demonstrating commitment. They are aligning their actions with their words and putting the needs of the people at the forefront. The potential for Africa's proliferation is endless when guided by ethical, committed leadership, and we are seeing living examples of this, a little bit at a time. For generations, colonial and neoliberal systems have restricted access to education, gatekeeping opportunities behind tuition walls that excluded the poor, the rural, the working class, and so many more. This profound move by Nandi-Ndaitwah has essentially torn down those walls. African youth have consistently challenged systems that treat knowledge like a commodity instead of a birthright. To drive forward reform in education and succeed is a commendable achievement that cannot be understated. This is truly exemplary of 'the power of the people'. These types of new policies are those that bring about meaningful transformation, especially for children, women, those with disabilities, youth in remote areas, the historically excluded, and so many more. We cannot let uncertainty be an excuse for inaction. We must remember that no liberation movement in our history began with perfect conditions. Freedoms are built upon the audacity to act. Nandi-Ndaitwah has planted a golden seed. Let the rest of the continent take note. Africa's renaissance will not be imported; it will be built by educated, empowered, audacious Africans. Free education is not just about entrance to classrooms; it is about human rights and justice at its core. It is about healing our society from a pervasive imperialist system that still has its roots tightly wound around SA's institutional neck. Education is about reclaiming our collective right to dream of an empowered self and to shape the Africa we want to see. 'No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated,' Mandela once profoundly said. 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' * Tswelopele Makoe is a gender and social justice activist and editor at Global South Media Network. She is a researcher, columnist, and an Andrew W Mellon scholar at the Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice, UWC. The views expressed are her own. ** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, IOL, or Independent Media. Get the real story on the go: Follow the Sunday Independent on WhatsApp.
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
How Paulette Neo is making her mark on the airwaves
Paulette Neo Kaise took over from legendary traffic reporter Rob Byrne, popularly known as Rob Beezy, who left Metro FM after 13 years. Image: Supplied SABC newsreader Paulette Neo, in April, joined Metro FM's 'The Best Morning Breakfast Show' and 'The Touchdown' as the resident traffic reporter. Neo took over from legendary traffic reporter, Rob Byrne, popularly known as Rob Beezy, who left Metro FM after 13 years. Filling the shoes of a legendary traffic reporter may be daunting, but Neo is stepping into these big shoes in her own way. 'I hope to satisfy the audience. I love the feedback from the Besties [Metro FM listeners]. It's truly a pleasure to be part of this team,' she said. Speaking candidly during Youth Month, in an interview with IOL, Neo shared how her passion for journalism began during the #FeesMustFall protests. 'I saw how events were reported differently depending on where people consumed their information, the messaging, even the propaganda. That's what made me want to go into news and reporting,' she said. Her classroom lessons came to life on the streets, giving her firsthand insight into the power of the media. 'You realise whoever pays the piper controls the shooting,' she added thoughtfully. Neo didn't have formal mentors, but community radio stations and campus media gave her the training ground she needed. 'Campus radio helped me so much. And just watching others in the industry, seeing how presenters could report traffic, engage in sports, and offer opinions, made me realise you have to be agile and multi-faceted,' she said. She made it a point to shadow professionals and reach out for opportunities. 'I was always that person saying, 'Hi, can I learn from you? Here's my demo.' I must've been so annoying,' she laughed. Neo's journey to Metro FM began not as a reporter, but as a fitness guest. 'I was invited to MoFlava's show for Gym Jam at around 4am, to talk about health and demonstrate exercises. I ended up staying until noon because I just loved the vibe at Metro. "I thought, 'I want to stay… I just don't know how yet,' ' she recalled. That spark led her to reignite a dream she had shelved after graduating. 'I had studied, but I wasn't working in the field yet. Meeting bold women in the studio reminded me of who I wanted to be.' Just when Neo thought things had settled, and she was on SABC's Setswana news, another door opened. 'I got a call asking if I was still interested in doing traffic reporting. I had done it at community level. I said, 'Absolutely!'' When it comes to growing her brand, Neo credits social media with opening new doors. 'It makes people accessible, not necessarily to chat, but to learn from them. You see someone's journey and it inspires you to refine your skills,' she explained. As a Youth Month message, Kaise encourages young people to be grounded and hungry to learn. 'Be adaptable. You're not above learning and stay focused on what resonates with you. It's not about doing the trendiest thing, but about finding what brings you long-term joy and purpose.' She cautioned against chasing hype. 'Think about longevity. Ask yourself: where is this taking me? What do I really want? Don't just trend for the sake of it.' IOL Entertainment
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
How Paulette Neo is making her mark on the airwaves
Paulette Neo Kaise took over from legendary traffic reporter Rob Byrne, popularly known as Rob Beezy, who left Metro FM after 13 years. Image: Supplied SABC newsreader Paulette Neo, in April, joined Metro FM's 'The Best Morning Breakfast Show' and 'The Touchdown' as the resident traffic reporter. Neo took over from legendary traffic reporter, Rob Byrne, popularly known as Rob Beezy, who left Metro FM after 13 years. Filling the shoes of a legendary traffic reporter may be daunting, but Neo is stepping into these big shoes in her own way. 'I hope to satisfy the audience. I love the feedback from the Besties [Metro FM listeners]. It's truly a pleasure to be part of this team,' she said. Speaking candidly during Youth Month, in an interview with IOL, Neo shared how her passion for journalism began during the #FeesMustFall protests. 'I saw how events were reported differently depending on where people consumed their information, the messaging, even the propaganda. That's what made me want to go into news and reporting,' she said. Her classroom lessons came to life on the streets, giving her firsthand insight into the power of the media. 'You realise whoever pays the piper controls the shooting,' she added thoughtfully. Neo didn't have formal mentors, but community radio stations and campus media gave her the training ground she needed. 'Campus radio helped me so much. And just watching others in the industry, seeing how presenters could report traffic, engage in sports, and offer opinions, made me realise you have to be agile and multi-faceted,' she said. She made it a point to shadow professionals and reach out for opportunities. 'I was always that person saying, 'Hi, can I learn from you? Here's my demo.' I must've been so annoying,' she laughed. Neo's journey to Metro FM began not as a reporter, but as a fitness guest. 'I was invited to MoFlava's show for Gym Jam at around 4am, to talk about health and demonstrate exercises. I ended up staying until noon because I just loved the vibe at Metro. "I thought, 'I want to stay… I just don't know how yet,' ' she recalled. That spark led her to reignite a dream she had shelved after graduating. 'I had studied, but I wasn't working in the field yet. Meeting bold women in the studio reminded me of who I wanted to be.' Just when Neo thought things had settled, and she was on SABC's Setswana news, another door opened. 'I got a call asking if I was still interested in doing traffic reporting. I had done it at community level. I said, 'Absolutely!'' When it comes to growing her brand, Neo credits social media with opening new doors. 'It makes people accessible, not necessarily to chat, but to learn from them. You see someone's journey and it inspires you to refine your skills,' she explained. As a Youth Month message, Kaise encourages young people to be grounded and hungry to learn. 'Be adaptable. You're not above learning and stay focused on what resonates with you. It's not about doing the trendiest thing, but about finding what brings you long-term joy and purpose.' She cautioned against chasing hype. 'Think about longevity. Ask yourself: where is this taking me? What do I really want? Don't just trend for the sake of it.' IOL Entertainment
