Not only has this crisis questioned the neo-liberal economies that traditionally limit government intervention and prioritise market interests, it also asked universities to think differently about their models of teaching.
The Young Communist League of South Africa condemned a reported racist attack on black students at the University of Free State.
"What happened at the university has the potential to divide our nation and also shows some sections of white people still consider blacks inferior," said spokesperson Khaya Xaba on Friday.
"It is about time that the university council, the senior management, and the SRC [students' representative council] confront the reality of racism in UFS and expel all racists."
Xaba accused university rector professor Jonathan Jansen of occupying himself with criticising government.
"While he is busy grandstanding the university is burning in the background."
On Thursday, two students accused of assaulting another student appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court.
The matter was postponed to April 9, Captain Chaka Marope said.
Assault
He said Cobus Muller and Blom were driving in a on the university's Bloemfontein campus on Monday night and allegedly ran over MuziGwebu.
Later, the two allegedly confronted Gwebu and assaulted him.
The university said the students, if found guilty in the criminal and institutional investigations, would not be allowed to study at the university.
Jansen said on Thursday the university regarded the matter in a very serious light, and was doing its own investigation. – Sapa