South Africa: 'fees must fall' leader in court

South Africa’s “fees must fall” leader Mcebo Dlamini is in court in relation to his role on protests organised by students to oppose the increase in university fees.

The activist who remains in custody faces charges of public violence, theft, malicious damage to property and assault.

The activists have been requesting a reduction in university fees.

“The way that our campuses have been militarized means that our universities have been turned into war zones, and we cannot in good conscience go back to class and write our exams in these conditions. We also have not heard any legitimate conversation from the state to say that they actually will be responding to our demands for free quality and decolonized education,” South African student, Sheera Kalla said.

The protests broke out following the government’s decision to increase university fees by 8 percent as from 2017.

Despite suspensions and arrests other leaders say they will continue to raise awareness around the issues at hand.

The “fees must fall” group has requested amnesty for all students whom they say have been unjustly suspended.