WATCH: Academic suggests inequality is rife in every aspect of society
Professor Olive Shisana says the #FeesMustFall protests are due to students understanding their constitutional rights - and choosing to exercise it.
Shisana is one of the panellists at public hearings in Durban - into how legislation affects our everyday lives.
The hearings are being chaired by former President Kgalema Motlanthe.
Shisana has looked at both sides of the argument, with students wanting free higher education for all, and government saying it can't be a free for all - as only the poor and the so-called missing middle should benefit.
Sishana also says gross economic inequality still exists today - despite many efforts by government to level the playing field between white and black South Africans.
Shisana says white people are still ahead in many ways.
WATCH: Prof. Shisana discusses inequality in the workplace:
Professor Shisana says whites are still paid much more than blacks and get promoted at a faster rate in the corpora sector. pic.twitter.com/AzjXyiM5my
— Steve Bhengu (@SteveBhengu) October 20, 2016
Kgalema Motlanthe says the issue of free education should not only be the burden of students.Government and universities should be proactive pic.twitter.com/lmJT2Lqip7
— Steve Bhengu (@SteveBhengu) October 20, 2016