Tensions reached boiling point at the University of Fort Hare this week as angry students allegedly set fire to key campus buildings during ongoing violent protests. The unrest, which erupted at the institution’s Alice campus in the Eastern Cape, saw the administration and Student Affairs offices engulfed in flames as demonstrators demanded urgent leadership changes and greater student representation.
The protests, which began over governance issues and alleged exclusion of student voices, escalated dramatically when parts of the campus were torched on Wednesday. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with plumes of smoke rising above the university as police attempted to contain the situation.
At the heart of the students’ grievances is their call for the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, whom they accuse of failing to address their concerns about student governance, accommodation, and financial aid delays.
According to reports from the SABC, clashes between police and students turned violent, leaving two students injured. They were rushed to hospital for treatment after allegedly being shot during confrontations with law enforcement officers.
Student leader Uzusiphe Vuzane expressed outrage over what he described as the use of live ammunition by police. “The other student was shot on the left knee, and another was shot just above the heart near the shoulder,” he said. His statement has since fueled anger among the student body, who claim excessive force was used against unarmed protesters.
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Videos circulating on social media show flames consuming the administration block as students chant slogans calling for justice and reform. The destruction of property has drawn widespread condemnation, with many expressing concern about the long-term impact on the institution’s academic calendar and infrastructure.
The University of Fort Hare, one of South Africa’s oldest and most historically significant universities, has been plagued by internal strife in recent years. Issues of corruption, poor management, and student dissatisfaction have repeatedly made headlines. The latest protests, however, mark one of the most destructive episodes in the university’s history.
Community members and alumni have urged both the university management and student leadership to return to the negotiating table to prevent further escalation. Local authorities have also called for calm, warning that acts of arson and violence will only worsen the situation and lead to criminal charges.
Police have launched an investigation into the arson attack and the use of live ammunition during the protest. Meanwhile, university officials are yet to issue a detailed statement addressing the extent of the damage or outlining plans to restore order.
As tensions continue to rise, many fear that classes and exams could be suspended indefinitely, affecting thousands of students. With emotions still raw and buildings still smoldering, the University of Fort Hare stands at a crossroads — torn between the burning anger of its students and the urgent need for stability and dialogue.
This is a developing story.
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