South African university suspends operations amid violent protests

The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has announced the immediate suspension of all operations across its campuses following a wave of violent protests and arson attacks at its Alice campus in the Eastern Cape.

The decision, communicated in an official statement on October 8, 2025, comes after multiple buildings, including lecture halls, a library, and administrative centre, were set alight, causing damages estimated between R250 million and R500 million.

Two students from the university are in hospital after sustaining injuries in clashes with the police, following the torching of an administrative building.

The unrest was reportedly sparked by disputes over Student Representative Council (SRC) elections and demands for the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu.

Protesters began engaging in acts of vandalism and arson on Tuesday night, prompting the university to halt all in-person academic and administrative activities.

The institution has instructed students to vacate all campuses by 17:00 today, October 9, 2025, saying that it is prioritising the safety of its community.

In its statement, the university condemned the violence, describing the destruction as a severe setback to its academic mission.

“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, but for now, the protection of our students, staff, and infrastructure is paramount.”

This follows an earlier announcement on October 7, when the university temporarily shifted to online teaching due to initial protests.

However, the escalating violence has now led to a full shutdown, with no immediate timeline for reopening.

The university said it is working with law enforcement to investigate the incidents and ensure accountability for those responsible.

The financial toll of the damages, already estimated at a quarter to half a billion rand, adds to the institution’s challenges, as it grapples with restoring critical infrastructure like lecture halls and library resources.

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela said he had requested a de-escalation plan from the university to ensure the protection of lives and campus infrastructure.

EFF MP Sihle Lonzi, who sits on the Higher Education portfolio committee, has called on government ot step in.

“The destruction at the University of Fort Hare will cost billions. The arrogance of Management has allowed third forces to drive anarchy.”

Fort Hare, one of South Africa’s historic institutions, has faced similar protests in recent years, often tied to governance disputes and student demands.

The UFH currently enrolls approximately 13,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students across its two main campuses.

Founded in 1916 as one of the nation’s oldest institutions of higher learning, UFH was initially established as a missionary college to provide Western-style education to Black Africans before evolving into a fully independent university in 1970.

Alumni include Nelson Mandela, Robert Sobukwe, and Govan Mbeki.