EFF Student Command members from Durban and Tshwane have gathered at the Union Buildings to support Bonginkosi Khanyile who was arrested during #FeesMustFall protests.
The group of young students have partnered with Bonginkosi's mother to stage a sleep-out at the Union Buildings until President Ramaphosa comes to speak to them and hear their plight.
They want Ramaphosa to use his powers and influence to give all students arrested during #FeesMustFall protests between 2015 and 2016 amnesty.
Bonginkosi's mother, Phumzile Khathini, said: "My son's biggest crime is fighting to get an education and that is not a crime. There are people raping and killing people who are walking freely in this country.
Bonginkosi's mother and other student and EFF members show their support. Picture: James Mahlokwane
"My message to Ramaphosa and the government is that they should not punish and ruin our children's future because they fought for free tertiary education. That education has since been implemented."
The students said their fight for free tertiary education was just and important to the extent that this year’s first-year students are benefitting from their struggle.
For that reason, they believed their alleged crimes are not serious compared to the crimes committed by a lot of people during apartheid.
Some of the students who will be sleeping at the Unions Building travelled all the way from KwaZulu-Natal by bus.