Student Resistance to Apartheid at the University of Fort Hare: Freedom Now, a Degree Tomorrow

The book explores forms of popular student resistance to apartheid education in South Africa, particularly at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), by tracing student activism at UFH from 1970 to 2000; highlighting the factors that influenced the development of a culture of student resistance; investigating the root causes that made Fort Hare exceptional in its stand against apartheid; and chronicling the educational and social implications that resulted from students’ unparalleled and fearless actions against the apartheid system. Student resistance at Fort Hare can be traced as far back as the 1940s; however, this book will primarily focus on the critical 1970–2000 period, which was marked by increased student activism in South Africa. The 1980s and 1990s were peak years for student activism in the country. There is no doubt that student struggles during this period and thereafter helped dismantle apartheid and usher in a new South African government.