Taabo Mugume, Sam Masingi, and Dr Thierry Luescher
at the launch of the book, Student Politics in Africa:
Representation and Activism.
Photo: Hatsu Mphatsoe
Student activism has finally been a tabled priority on the agenda of academics. On 14 June 2016, the book titled, Student Politics in Africa: Representation and Activism, edited by Thierry M Luescher, Manja Klemencic, and James Otieno Jowi, was launched. The book has brought together the work and questions of eighteen scholars who are concerned with the issues of higher-education development, governance, and student politics in Africa.
Dr Luescher is an assistant director in the Directorate of Institutional Research and Academic Planning (DIRAP) on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.
Student politics in Africa
The book focused on the generation of new knowledge about student politics in Africa. Dr Luescher explained that the inspiration behind the book was based on the importance of how the voice of students is represented in higher education. Steady increase has been seen over the decades across Africa of students being involved in the decision-making structures of universities.
Current climate of student activism
When asked about how this book speaks to the current climate of student activism, Dr Luescher had this to say: “#FeesMustFall is an example of student activism in response to the problem where student leaders have not been heard with regard to student funding, especially assistance to poor and middle income students. The book shows that the South African student movement is not unique, but actually part of a continent-wide – indeed a global – resurgence of student opposition against neo-liberal policies in higher education.”
Student activism and political parties
Another question raised focused on ensuring a healthy relationship between student activism and political parties. It was explained as being a different process across different African countries. “While both go hand-in-hand, it is import to ensure that there is a regulation between the two so that student leaders do not become captive to parties and are indebted to them,” said Dr Luescher.
The book will serve as a great way for both student activists and the structures that exist in institutions to gain an understanding of each’s perspective and how to have a more amicable relationship.