UCT has an accommodation issue and, well, the RhodesMustFall (RMF) did something to adequately highlight that issue yesterday by erecting a corrugated iron shack at the bottom of the Jameson steps. Enter #Shackville.
The only difference between their shack and those lying across the landscape in front of them was the view and various posters of protest with slogans like “Beware of the Monkeys #homeless” and “The state of your nation” along with red and white danger tape:
Complete with a portaloo used to highlight how those who live in shacks do not have access to adequate sanitation, paint tins and beer crates were also used to create a braai area where protestors sat and cooked food.
About 30 students erected the shack to highlight the lack of accommodation issue which seemed to effect only black students. Instead, students were placed on “transit” accommodation, and put on to waiting lists for the university residences.
But they could not understand why only white (and foreign) people on the waiting list were placed in permanent accommodation and the black students were still waiting. The students also had to stay four to six in a room at the transit accommodation which was against university policy that only two may share a room.
Students were also still blocked from studying over fees owed, an issue that was believed by to have been resolved after the protests last year.
Now, if you have lost touch with the student movements of UCT in the last while, you might be surprised that the conversation has progressed onto the issue of land along with a demand of giving it back to those who had it first.
All around UCT campus graffiti could be seen.
If you, like many others, thought that the lack of increase of fees for 2016 was a win for the #FeesMustFall and #RhodesMustFall movement, you clearly have no idea how deep these protests go. Check HERE for a the RMF mission statement.
