economic disparities that persist in universities and to redress the legacy of apartheid. provide a brief history on the movement, the bigger local or global context they exist in;

Answer 1

The movement to address economic disparities in universities in South Africa dates back to the end of apartheid in the early 1990s. During the apartheid era, access to higher education was largely determined by race, with white individuals benefiting from better educational opportunities compared to their black counterparts. As a result, many black South Africans were excluded from attending universities or faced significant barriers to enrollment.

In response to this systemic injustice, student activists and organizations began advocating for greater access to education and the redress of economic disparities within universities. This movement gained momentum in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as students continued to push for transformation within the higher education sector.

One of the key initiatives that emerged from this movement was the implementation of affirmative action policies, which aimed to promote diversity and equality within universities by increasing the representation of historically disadvantaged groups, such as black South Africans. These policies have been met with some resistance from certain segments of the population, but they have helped to create a more inclusive and equitable education system in South Africa.

The movement to address economic disparities in South African universities exists within a larger global context of social and economic inequality. Many countries around the world are grappling with similar challenges related to access to education, income inequality, and systemic discrimination. By addressing these issues within the higher education sector, South Africa is taking steps to create a more just and equal society for all its citizens.