By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The University of Fort Hare has instructed the students to leave premises by 17:00 on Wednesday, 09 October 2025, amid growing and tense protests.
Protests erupted after the university announced plans to appoint an interim SRC during amendments to the student governance constitution.
Students are also calling for Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu’s removal.
Two buildings were set alight amid protests over governance, safety, and student representation issues.
A statement released by the University read, “Earlier this evening, multiple acts of arson were perpetrated on our Alice campus, including petrol-bomb attacks on the Main Administrative Building, the Student Affairs Building, the Agriculture building and a newly built campus clinic scheduled to open later this month.”
“At the time of issuing this statement, no injuries or loss of life have been reported.”
“Preliminary estimates place damage between R250 million – R500 million. A detailed assessment will be undertaken by the University,” the statement read.
Minister Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela called for calm and said he would send his adviser, Professor Ahmed Bawa, to the University.
Manamela instructed Bawa to engage student leaders, unions and management from the university.
This is not the first time Fort Hare has seen unrest – past protests over fees and housing have led to shutdowns, showing deep problems that need long-term fixes.
The violence has also hit the local area, with blocked roads affecting travel and business. Police have stepped up patrols to stop more damage and keep peace.
Community leaders are calling for talks between students, the university and government to find common ground. They worry that drawn-out unrest could scare away new students and hurt the university’s name.