All Operations Halted At Fort Hare University After Violent Student Protest Erupts

Operations at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape have been suspended indefinitely following violent student protests that saw parts of the campus set alight.

The administration and student affairs buildings were torched on Wednesday amid mounting tensions between students and management.

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The unrest reportedly stems from the university’s decision to appoint an interim Student Representative Council (SRC) while amendments to the student governance constitution are underway.

Students have also demanded the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, accusing him of failing to address alleged mismanagement at the institution.

University Condemns Lawlessness and Defiance of Court Order

In a statement released late on Wednesday, the university condemned the actions of the protesters, noting that a small group of students had defied an interim court order issued by the Bhisho High Court. The order specifically prohibits such disruptive acts on campus.

Management described the situation as untenable and said it had been forced to take “drastic measures” to ensure safety and restore order. Students were instructed to vacate all university premises by 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Government Calls for Urgent De-escalation

Higher Education Deputy Minister Buti Manamela confirmed that he had asked the university to submit a de-escalation plan aimed at protecting lives and safeguarding campus infrastructure.

The university has pledged to work closely with authorities to stabilise the situation and ensure that calm is restored before academic activities can resume.

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