Inside Education Reporter
The University of Fort Hare has announced the “immediate temporary shutdown of all operations” at its Alice and East London campuses following what it described as an escalation of “criminal activities associated with the recent protest,” despite a court order prohibiting such conduct.
In a statement released late on Thursday, the university said the decision was taken “with deep regret” after continued acts of intimidation, violence, and destruction of property.
“The University has no alternative but to take this drastic measure in the face of persistent disruption of university business; intimidation and threats directed at staff and students; physical harm to students residing in campus residences; the burning and destruction of University infrastructure (at least six significant university buildings); and ongoing defiance of the court order and the rule of law,” it said.
Tensions initially boiled over on Tuesday after the university announced plans to appoint an interim Student Representative Council (SRC) while amending the institution’s student governance constitution.
Students rejected the move, demanding that the amendments be overseen by a democratically elected SRC. The unrest escalated as demonstrators clashed with security and police.
“There is chaos that has erupted on campus. Students were fighting with Falcon Security, allegedly assisted by police officers. They shot students using real bullets here in Alice Campus. One student was shot on the left knee, and another just above the heart near the shoulder,” student leader Uzusiphe Vuzane told journalists.
The Bhisho High Court issued an interim order on Tuesday that prohibited unlawful activities on the campuses, including unauthorised meetings, blocking access, damaging property, and threatening staff or students. But the institution said these acts “have continued unabated”.
“The University therefore has no option but to suspend all physical academic activities until further notice,” management said, adding that “online academic interactions may continue as directed by the DVC: Teaching and Learning and DVC: Research, Partnerships and Innovation”.
The university said the shutdown was necessary “to safeguard the lives and safety of students, staff, and visitors, and to protect University property from further damage”.
Expressing “deep disappointment and regret,” the university said the actions of a few individuals had “endangered the safety of the entire University community and disrupted the academic programme”.
It added that the destruction of property pointed to “much bigger issues, with a significant component of sponsored violence and criminality.”
All students have been instructed to vacate university premises by 5pm on 9 October 2025. International students are to contact the international office for assistance with evacuation arrangements.
“Further communication will follow regarding the phased reopening of campuses once it is deemed safe to do so.”
The university called for “calm, restraint, and cooperation from all members of the University community during this period”.
INSIDE EDUCATION
