Fort Hare University Buildings Set Ablaze As Student Protests Turn Violent | WATCH VIDEO

Tensions erupted at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape as protesting students allegedly set fire to the administration and Student Affairs buildings. The incident marked a serious escalation in the ongoing demonstrations over governance issues and student representation.

According to witnesses, flames engulfed the campus facilities as students voiced their anger, saying their concerns have been ignored by university management. The protests are part of a broader call for the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu.

Fort Hare University Students Demand Leadership Change

The unrest has been building over what students describe as a lack of accountability and transparency within the university’s leadership. Demonstrators insist that Professor Buhlungu must step down, citing what they claim is poor engagement with student concerns.

While the university has yet to issue a formal statement on the latest incident, students say the administration’s silence has only fuelled their frustration.

Two Students Injured Amid Police Clashes

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported that two students were hospitalised on Wednesday after being injured during clashes with police. Student leader Uzusiphe Vuzane told the broadcaster that police had allegedly used live ammunition to disperse the crowd.

“The other student was shot on the left knee; the other student was shot just above the heart near the shoulder,” Vuzane said.

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Authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the shooting and the cause of the fire as the situation at the university remains tense.

This is a developing story.

UPDATED/10/09/2025 4:25AM

This article has been updated to add the video of the University of Fort Hare burning.

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