This document discusses the deterioration of student governance and activism in South African universities into anarchy and self-destruction. It outlines three phases of student activism from 1960 to the present. Currently, political groups have invaded campuses and turned academic activism into "academic gangsterism" characterized by senseless property destruction and financial waste. Issues like inadequate infrastructure, understaffing, political interference, and tense transformations have fueled unrest. The document questions whether transformation should be incorporated into curriculums and whether political parties should be allowed to create student wings on campuses. It calls for a return to genuine academic activism.

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2. Shepherd Mutsvara
Dip in Ed (U.Z.) LL.B
(Unisa) LL.M (UoL) exp
2017
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3. ABSTRACT
• The question for determination is whether
student governance and agitation in South
African Universities has deteriorated into
anarchy and self-destruct mode?
• Students have become “rival politicians.”
Political groups have invaded the academic turf
in an effort to bolster their political goals.
• Academic gangsterism has thus replaced
academic activism leading to senseless
destruction of property and depletion of
financial resources. 3

4. PHASES IN STUDENT ACTIVISM
Three distinct phases can be outlined ( Luescher &
Mugume 2014)
1960 – 1985
National self-rule and democracy: the spirit of
defiance.
1985 – 2000
Second Liberation: Bread and butter issues
2000 – Current
The new anger: Self flagellation?
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5. WHEN DOES A UNIVERSITY CEASE TO
EXIST?
Leo Zeilig & Marcelle Dawson (2008) enumerate
problems leading to unrest at universities.
Inadequate infrastructural facilities.
Understaffing & Underfunding
Remuneration
Erratic supply of basic services. (water,
electricity, sanitation)
Political interference
Transformation ( Stellenbosch, Potchefstroom)
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6. Academic Gangsterism
The legitimacy of student activism has been
dented because students have become:
 Extra-parliamentary opposition
 Spokespersons of the masses
 Student wings funded by political parties (DASO,
YCL, ANC, EEF)
 Progressive intention to exact “colonial revenge.”
 Disillusioned and angry students
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7. CONSEQUENCES
 Senseless destruction of property.
 Disruption of University studies
 Poor academic records
 Students set a dangerous precedent for
the community
 Currently over 25 schools in one of the
poorest province, Limpopo, have been
burnt in protests not related to
education. 7

8. WHAT IS THE WAY FORWAD
Questions to ponder on ?
 Should transformation be part of the curriculum
for all universities?
 Should political parties be allowed to create
student wings?
It is now time for Academic activism: Stand up and
be counted.
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9. The writer is currently working on a full length
article about the subject. If you wish to share your
views on the current state of student agitation,
feel free to contact him on:
mutsvaras@gmail.com
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