The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has suspended all operations with immediate effect across its campuses following a surge of violent protests, vandalism, and arson that has left multiple buildings destroyed and at least two students injured.
In a statement, the university confirmed that lecture halls, a library, and administrative buildings at the Alice campus were set alight during overnight unrest.
The estimated damage ranges between R250 million and R500 million.
“The University of Fort Hare has been forced to suspend all operations due to the reckless and dangerous actions of a few individuals,” the statement read.
“We are committed to resuming normal activities as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Campus Violence Escalates
The violence reportedly stems from disputes surrounding Student Representative Council (SRC) elections and calls for the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu.
Protests turned destructive on Tuesday night, culminating in the torching of an administrative building, during which two students were injured in clashes with police and are currently being treated in hospital.
The university, citing safety concerns, has ordered all students to vacate campuses by 17:00 on October 9 and halted all academic and administrative operations, including the recently adopted online learning format.
Heritage Institution Under Threat
The shutdown is a devastating blow to Fort Hare, one of South Africa’s most historic universities, founded in 1916 and boasting alumni such as Nelson Mandela, Robert Sobukwe, and Govan Mbeki.
With around 13 000 enrolled students, the university had already been grappling with governance challenges and protest action in recent years.
Government and Political Response
Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has requested a de-escalation plan from the university to safeguard lives and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, EFF MP Sihle Lonzi, a member of Parliament’s Higher Education Portfolio Committee, criticised the university’s leadership and urged government intervention:
“The destruction at the University of Fort Hare will cost billions. The arrogance of Management has allowed third forces to drive anarchy.”
Investigations Underway
UFH confirmed it is working with law enforcement agencies to investigate the incidents and hold perpetrators accountable.
There is currently no timeline for when normal operations will resume.
The university has condemned the destruction as a “severe setback” to its academic mission, vowing to prioritise community safety and restore critical infrastructure as soon as conditions allow.
