The ongoing violent protests at the University of Fort Hare have caused an estimated R250-million in damage, a senior government advisor revealed on Tuesday, describing the impact as “devastating” to the institution’s academic and administrative functions.
Professor Ahmed Bawa, an advisor to the Minister of Higher Education, provided the staggering cost assessment during a live interview ahead of a ministerial briefing. His comments shed light on the severe fallout from the unrest that has forced the campus to close and suspended the academic calendar.
“The damage is devastating,” Professor Bawa stated. “The estimate is that we are looking at R250-million or something like that. [It has a] devastating impact on the academic program and administration.”
The protests, which have been marked by burnings and other destructive acts, have raised concerns that extend beyond student frustration. Professor Bawa indicated that consultations with university constituencies, including council and management, point to a strong element of criminality.
“All the constituencies that we spoke to… provided concerns about the role of criminality in these activities,” Bawa explained. He suggested the involvement of external parties who may have a financial interest in disrupting ongoing investigations at the university. “They too might have been involved in this and might in fact have stirred on the burnings.”
The immediate priority for the government and the university council is to salvage the academic year. Bawa confirmed that the university council is meeting on Wednesday to finalise a reopening plan, which is expected to include a shift to online learning in the short term.
“The minister has implored the council to ensure that the academic year is not in jeopardy,” Bawa said. “We are hoping that within a week or so, academic activities will proceed.”
The crisis at Fort Hare unfolds as Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande is scheduled to brief the media on his department’s 2024/25 annual report. The briefing is also expected to address persistent systemic challenges within the higher education sector, including inadequate student accommodation and problematic ICT systems that have hampered student applications.
While the annual report will be a key focus, the devastating situation at Fort Hare, with its R250-million price tag and allegations of criminal infiltration, is set to dominate the minister’s address as the department grapples with ensuring stability and accountability in the post-school education system.
