From 1976 to 2025: The unfinished battle for educational rights

I believe that the fight of the youth was worth it, but it is far from over. Despite the progress that has been made over the decades, the youth of today still face challenges in terms of opportunities. 

The youth of 1976 marched for education and freedom. They believed that knowledge and education was a right, and not a privilege. It was due to their bravery that the youth of today were even granted the equal right to education. But one must question how ‘equal’ it is. 

The youth of 2025 still struggle for education, but it is not apartheid laws that hold them back —it is financial barriers. Academic institutions are choking the dreams of youth by imposing immense fees upon them.

To be able to have education, the question that youth are forced to ask is not whether they meet the admission requirements, but rather if they have the financial ability to support their studies. Even if they manage to complete their studies, some individuals are left with crippling debt that affects their life after studying.

Some may not even be granted the opportunity to finish their studies, restricted by fee blocks. Excluded from academic spaces, they are forced to give up on their dreams. The youth of today fight against this unjust exclusion, but institutions and government continue to fail to support the youth in need. 

It is apparent that education, despite the development over the years, is still a privilege rather than a right. It was meant to be a key to a better future, yet for many it remains a locked door. 

*Desmore is a first year Anthropology student at UCT

Cape Argus