Cost Implications of Violent Student Protests on Students in Higher Education Institutions – A Case Study of the University of Free State (UFS), South Africa

Abstract

The study is set against the backdrop of an upsurge in violent student protests across universities in South Africa, with adverse consequences for both students and institutions. This provides the impetus for this paper, which provides insight into the consequences of violent student protests from a socio-economic perspective. Within this context, this study adopted an interpretive paradigm to understand the lived experiences of students who have participated in violent student protests. Theoretically, it drew on Waters, Hyder, Rajkotia, Basu, and Butchart’s (2005) understanding of the consequences of interpersonal violence, which looks at the effects of violence beyond personal harm. The study employed a qualitative design, and the sample comprised students from various political parties and student organisations at the University of the Free State (UFS).  The findings were presented in accordance with the research objectives, which focused on identifying the cost implications of violent protests on students. The study reveals that restricted access to campus resources, loss of study time, and suspensions of student activists were notable consequences encountered after demonstrations. Furthermore, the study found that transport and legal fees were among the financial costs incurred by students due to violent protests on campus. Overall, the study recommends conflict resolution mechanisms, the promotion of non-violent advocacy training and improved communication channels to mitigate violent student protests at higher learning institutions. This paper presents a significant contribution by providing a localised perspective on the socio-economic impacts of student protests in South Africa, rooted in comprehensive qualitative research. The use of established theoretical frameworks offers a robust scaffold for analysing protest dynamics. The findings of this paper aim to improve knowledge and understanding of the nature of violent student protests. As such, this study contributes to the knowledge base on violent student protests, with a particular focus on cost implications that are often overlooked by students. The study highlights the cost implications frequently encountered by students since much focus is on the deeds students are engaged in during protests.