Must decolonisation occur on an island? The role of occupation in developing future visions within the #RhodesMustFall

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“…It contributed to the political decision in 2017 that ensured the inclusion of students from poor households by offering free education. 4 Student protests in South Africa, however, not only demand a radical break with the present system, but also create spaces for alternative imaginaries and for learning (Daniel, 2021b). The notion of decolonization shapes imagination and learning.…”

“…In order to achieve their aim, students used manifold tactics, including marches, demonstrations, shutdowns, performances, or occupations. They established counter-hegemonic spaces in which experimentation and learning enacted the imaginary of decolonization (Daniel, 2021b). In particular, the occupation of the Bremner Building offered a learning space.…”

“…Right at the beginning, students renamed the administrative building Azania house. The Azania occupation was meant to provide a space in which a decolonial imaginary could be developed (Daniel, 2021b), as one student explained, "In those occupations, there was much deeper conversation about how we imagine our society. […] We just started and notions of decoloniality came into the picture.…”

Contesting and reshaping learning spaces: Students’ activism in South Africa

“…In order to achieve their aim, students used manifold tactics, including marches, demonstrations, shutdowns, performances, or occupations. They established counter-hegemonic spaces in which experimentation and learning enacted the imaginary of decolonization (Daniel, 2021b). In particular, the occupation of the Bremner Building offered a learning space.…”

“…It contributed to the political decision in 2017 that ensured the inclusion of students from poor households by offering free education. 4 Student protests in South Africa, however, not only demand a radical break with the present system, but also create spaces for alternative imaginaries and for learning (Daniel, 2021b). The notion of decolonization shapes imagination and learning.…”