University Of Fort Hare Suspends Operations After Violent Student Protests

The University of Fort Hare in South Africa has suspended all operations following violent student protests that left two campus buildings on fire and two students hospitalised.

The unrest erupted over demands for the removal of vice-chancellor Prof Sakhela Buhlungu, whom students accuse of ignoring their long-standing grievances and failing to engage them meaningfully.

University management has ordered students to vacate the Alice campus by 5 PM on Thursday as tensions remain high.

The two injured students remain in the hospital following clashes between protesters and law enforcement on Wednesday.

Student organisations blamed the university leadership for the escalation, accusing it of “silence and inaction” that has worsened the situation.

They claimed the vice-chancellor has shown “a complete disregard for the students’ voice and concerns” and renewed calls for his resignation.

The students have demanded the withdrawal of armed security and police from campus, an independent investigation into the building fires, the reinstatement of a functioning student representative council through transparent elections, and the resignation of the vice-chancellor.

Student leaders said the unrest had been “hijacked” by “outside forces or individuals with ulterior motives” seeking to “sabotage legitimate student struggles and destabilise our institution.”

The joint statement was released by the ANCYL, COPESM, EFFYC, PASMA, Sasco, SCO, YBMM, and YCLSA.

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela described the escalating unrest as “deeply concerning” and urged all parties to work towards de-escalation. He said:

“I have had a discussion with student representatives and implored them to de-escalate the situation and ensure protest action is peaceful and provide leadership that protects lives and university property.”

Manamela said he had requested the university council to provide a detailed de-escalation plan and welcomed the intervention of Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, who has deployed respected community and church leaders to help ease tensions.

More: SowetanLive