"I owe my freedom to those who supported me": Bonginkosi Khanyile
The first taste of freedom after 155 days in prison. Fees Must Fall activist, Bonginkosi Khanyile, has arrived at the Durban University of Technology's Steve Biko campus in Durban - after being released from the Westville Prison this morning.
He was granted bail of R250 by the Constitutional Court yesterday.
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Khanyile was arrested in September last year during student protests at DUT. He faces a string of charges - including public violence and the possession of explosives. Among other things - he's accused of using a slingshot to fire "objects" during demonstrations.
Speaking to Newswatch soon after his arrival at DUT - Khanyile says he's in high spirits after more than six months behind bars.
He says he owes his freedom to his supporters.
"I'm in a very emotional spirit. I'm happy that I'm out - but most of all, I want to thank everyone that has ensured that I'm out of prison - the parents, the cleaners, the securities, the church people, the professors and so on. Thank you very much; I owe my freedom to you," he said.
During his address to the DUT student population, Khanyile reiterated the call for free, decolonized education.
We want free decolonized education.... Come hell or high water.-Khanyile #BonginkosiKhanyile pic.twitter.com/55EtsmNN1N
— Nushera Raisa (@nushera) March 2, 2017
He also claimed this would not be the last time that he went to prison.
I don't think this is the last time I will go to prison. -Khanyile #BonginkosiKhanyile pic.twitter.com/57SN1jx5rD
— Nushera Raisa (@nushera) March 2, 2017