The calls for free education by tertiary students have been supported by many organisations, including the ANC, SACP and Cosatu. A great number of people in the country simply cannot afford to pay for their education, but a solution will not be found by a simple snap of the fingers. Honest and genuine work must take place if a realistic solution is to be found.It is in that regard that the populist stance taken by the ANCYL president must be condemned. The problems of education cannot simply be placed on Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande.In fact, there has been tremendous improvement in student funding since Nzimande took over.Unfortunately, Collen Maine feels pressure to fill the demagogic shoes of one Julius Malema, while at the same time trying to fulfil factionalist promises he made to his handlers.His actions do nothing but place the blame for all the country's problems on the ANC, and thus contributes to the DA's regime change agenda. Thabo Thwala, BothavilleBlade shouting "Amandla" was the ultimate example of how he is out of touch with reality.That his megaphone wasn't working was a symbol of failure, too.There are many ways to look at tertiary education funding, but Blade's department and the whole ANC government can certainly not fall back on excuse that there is a lack of funds. Every year audits show us how billions are wasted on corruption, mismanagement, and wastage.That's where the cash is, in the looting of tax money. And that's what the Zuma administration has come to symbolise: theft on a grand scale for personal enrichment.And that's the underlying cause of anger. Theo Martinez, Craighall ParkThe historic march by students on the precinct of a people's parliament brought into sharp focus the declaration of the Freedom Charter and the Bill of Rights.Black and white students marched in unison, bringing closer the achievement of a united non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa.The clarion call of the Freedom Charter - "the doors of learning shall be opened" - finds new meaning in the slogan "zero increases in school fees".Moments of crisis are often pregnant with opportunities. The crisis in education is crying out for leadership to usher in quality education. The government must prioritise quality education as an investment that will unlock economic growth.A comprehensive response by the government must include decisive action against corruption that recovers the proceeds of crime. The struggle for quality education must continue. Mzukisi Gaba, Cape Town..