The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has affirmed that Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu will remain in his position, following a week of intense student protests that culminated in the arson of several key university buildings and a temporary campus closure.
The unrest was triggered by the University Council’s decision to extend Professor Buhlungu’s contract by 12 months. Protesting students demanded his immediate resignation, citing a failure to address their needs during his tenure.
The protests turned destructive over four days, with six university buildings set ablaze. Significant damage was reported at the administrative building on the Alice campus and the education faculty building on the East London campus. The scale of the damage forced the institution to suspend all on-campus activities.
Beyond the contract extension, students voiced frustration over student governance, accusing the council of silencing their voice. They claim this was done by appointing an interim Student Representative Council (SRC) instead of allowing for a democratically elected body during amendments to the student governance constitution.
However, the university executive has pushed back against the narrative that the call for Buhlungu’s removal has widespread student support. In a statement, the executive dismissed the demand as being driven by “external influence.”
“We actually ran a study just 3 days ago… with over 900 registered undergraduate and post-graduate students participating, and only between 10 and 12% said they believe the VC must go,” a university representative stated. “So we are saying that this issue is being exploited by those who do not want to see structure, discipline and governance in the establishment of higher education in the Eastern Cape.”
The fires have caused extensive damage, with academic staff reporting the loss of research material and practical samples worth millions of rands. This loss is expected to severely impact both undergraduate and post-graduate students, particularly those reliant on lab work and stored data for their degrees.
“Even if they come back, we’re going to struggle in making sure that we continue with the practical part,” a concerned academic staff member said, noting that post-graduate students are especially vulnerable as they depend on samples and data destroyed in the blazes.
In response to the crisis, the university has announced plans to resume its academic program online starting Monday. The immediate priority is to ensure continuity of learning while managing the aftermath of the destruction.
“The priority now is for continuity firstly with the academic learning project… which is actually being implemented right now with online learning,” a university official said. “And then of course the disaster recovery… and the ways for us to normalize the institution.”
The university has also warned that disciplinary action will be taken against any students who refuse to obey orders to vacate the campus as the institution works to restore order and safety.
