Violent protests and the destruction of property at the University of Fort Hare just days before the institution’s centenary celebrations was unjustified as channels existed for students to vent their frustrations, the African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape said on Thursday.
“We welcome the remarks by the University SRC [Student Representative Council] president that they will negotiate their demands with the University,” said ANC provincial spokesman Mlibo Qhoboshiyane.
“Using available engagement platforms like negotiations with the University management to find a solution is what sober students do, they never resort to anarchy. There is therefore no justification for anyone to [resort] to violence hoping it will prop up solution to their needs.”
Protesters set fires during protests on Wednesday which resulted in the razing of a university building and a tent at the main campus, two days before government and the SADC region’s centenary celebrations at Fort Hare. On Friday, President Jacob Zuma and his Zimbabwean counterpart Robert Mugabe would address those celebrating Fort Hare’s 100-year history of nurturing black academic excellence.
Qhoboshiyane said the party welcomed the swift response by the province’s police who were on the scene on Wednesday night and had arrested at least 14 students accused of malicious damage to property, and theft.
“We welcome the swift move by the police to arrest some of those alleged to have been behind this criminal conduct,” he said.
Qhoboshiyane also called on students to assist in ensuring culprits were caught, saying: “We call on students who know those involved, those who lit the fire that burnt some of the university property, smashed university properties, to report them to the police so that we get to the bottom of the problem”.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
