The FeesMustFall campaign can be transformative if students, government and universities are willing to engage one another meaningfully so that lasting solutions can be found.

This was one of the viewpoints of Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe on Thursday (6 October 2016). She delivered the 12th Annual Human Rights Lecture of the Law Faculty at Stellenbosch University (SU).

Khampepe said students, government and universities should engage each other despite their disagreements because this is what meaningful participation as a transformative process demands. She added that transformation is only a vessel of empty rhetoric without meaningful participation.

"Meaningful participation empowers individuals to constructively find mutually-beneficial solutions."

"The students' demand for a shift in education policy can only be truly transformative if we allow meaningful engagement to ensue and if we are willing to listen to the plurality of voices and attempt to do justice to them."

"All concerned must partake in the necessary dialogue with an intention to find lasting solutions, not solutions that may be a problem tomorrow. We must have a fervent determination to reach a resolution to the satisfaction of all stakeholders."

Khampepe said too often, the FeesMustFall movement is met with either confrontational rhetoric, or empty political posturing.

She added that more often than not, we err when we confront civil disaffection without hearing those who cry.

"The need for engaged and sincere dialogue is important both because it enables student movements to cut their political teeth, and because the students' grievances are not simply unfounded."

Khampepe said the students' grievances about fees must be taken seriously, especially in light of what our Constitution says about education.

"When seen in the context of our Constitution, education is the lifeblood of democracy. The quality of life of our children can only be enriched through an environment that permits all students to be educated."

"No student should be refused admission to a university for financial reasons. We will not be freeing the potential of each student if the current situation is not swiftly tackled."

Khampepe urged the Department of Higher Education to listen to all students.

She said universities must not only be concerned about the percentage fee increase and students must be willing to take the practical concerns of management and the Department seriously.

"At no point can we pass the buck, or wash our hands of the issues," Khampepe said.

• Photo 1: Justice Sisi Khampepe delivers the Human Rights lecture.
• Photo 2: Justice Khampepe with Prof Sandy Liebenberg of SU's Law Faculty, Albie Sachs, former Constitutional Court Judge, Prof Sonia Human, Dean of SU's Law Faculty, and Prof Geo Quinot of SU's Law Faculty at the lecture.
• Photographer: Anton Jordaan