Fort Hare University Ablaze

Tensions continue to escalate at the University of Fort Hare’s Alice Campus in the Eastern Cape, where two buildings have been set ablaze amid ongoing student protests.

Unverified reports indicate that multiple students may have sustained injuries during the unrest.

As demonstrations persist, lectures and academic activities have been suspended. The protests reportedly began in response to the university’s decision to establish an interim Student Representative Council (SRC) while amendments to the Student Governance Constitution are being implemented.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has apparently condemned the violence, labeling the destruction of property as intolerable.

In the meantime, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape have expressed deep concern regarding the situation, highlighting that both the Alice and East London campuses are experiencing disruptions due to the student-led shutdown.

In a statement, the party pointed to “poor governance, mismanagement, the suppression of students and staff, lack of safety, and failure to provide essential student services” as underlying issues contributing to the unrest.

The EFF remarked: “We cannot remain silent as fires rage and bullets fly at a tertiary institution, especially one as historically significant as Fort Hare.”

The Ministry of Higher Education has also voiced its concern, confirming that it is actively monitoring the situation at the university. A meeting is anticipated this week to address the grievances raised by students.

Authorities have yet to provide confirmation regarding the extent of the damage or the number of injured students.