By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: UFH.
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has placed vice-chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu on precautionary suspension, pending the outcome of a disciplinary process arising from the findings of a forensic investigation.
The decision was taken by the university council at a meeting on Monday, 30 March 2026.
The suspension stems from findings that four senior management members, including Buhlungu, failed to follow governance procedures in the appointment of two executive directors.
In a letter issued on 20 March, the council said the investigation found that four senior management employees “failed to comply with the requirements of Section 19.1 of the university statute, in that council approval was not obtained” for the appointments.
The council confirmed that appropriate disciplinary action has since been imposed on the implicated employees.
The university cited Section 10.1 of its employee relations and procedures, which provides that “where the policies, norms, values, standards and principles of the University of Fort Hare have been violated, the university has the right, through the disciplinary procedure, to apply appropriate corrective action in a fair manner”.
The council maintained that his continued presence in office could give rise to risks of interference with potential witnesses or institutional records.
Buhlungu has been instructed not to enter university premises without prior written approval and to refrain from contacting staff, students, service providers or other stakeholders on matters related to the investigation.
The council has appointed deputy vice-chancellor for research, partnerships and innovation, Dr Nthabi Taole-Mjimba, as acting vice-chancellor to ensure continuity.
Buhlungu has faced a gruelling tenure since he stepped into the role as VC of the historic institution in 2017. Student and staff strikes marred the first two years of his tenure, and after he launched an extensive anti-corruption campaign he received death threats. Petrus Roets, the university’s fleet and transport manager, was shot and killed in Gonubie in East London on 19 May 2022. Mboneli Vesele, Buhlungu’s driver and bodyguard, was shot dead in Dikeni (formerly Alice) on 6 January 2023.