The University of Fort Hare has temporarily shut its campuses in Alice and East London, in the Eastern Cape.
Protesting students set buildings on fire, including the Staff Centre, Administration and Student Services buildings, following a protest for several days now.
They want urgent student elections by the end of October and are also calling for the immediate resignation of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, who they accuse of collapsing the university’s governance systems.
This after the suspension of Lwazi Khalakahla, President of the student body (SRC) was suspended, sparking picketing since September.
Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the institution, said the decision, to close the campuses, is due to intensified student protest action.
He said the students have disregarded the Bhisho High Court ruling, of the 07th October 2025., which ruled against, holding unauthorized meetings at campuses, during work hours, not attending class, damaging, destroying and burning down the Uni.
In a letter of concern to staff and learners, Buhlungu (whose surname directly translates to pain) said “the University has no option, but to suspend all physical academic activities until further notice.”
He also said online academic interactions may continue.
But Economic Freedom Fighters student body (EFFYB) has rejected the instruction, saying in a statement, released on Wednesday “let it be categorically stated, no student shall be forced to leave their place of learning. We are going nowhere.”
Oscar Mabuyane, Premier of the Eastern Cape, said he has engaged the Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, as well as the broader community to help calm the situation. He has called on the churches and civil society groups in the area to intervene.
Picture: Supplied