• Fort Hare students say they will not return to class until management fixes campus safety and holds fair student elections.

• The university has suspended all academic work for 48 hours while trying to calm the situation.

The University of Fort Hare has shut down after students took to the streets, protesting against unsafe residences, poor management and unfair student elections.

Classes have been suspended at both the Alice and East London campuses as students say they will not return until their demands are met.

The protest started after the university announced plans to change the Student Governance Constitution. Students say the new rules should only be introduced once a democratically elected student representative council (SRC) is in place – not one chosen by management.

They believe the interim SRC proposed by the university will not represent students properly.

“The interim SRC will not have the interests of students at heart because they are picked to serve management,” said student leader Asonele Magwaxaza.

Students are also angry about safety in residences. “A student was found hanging on a tree, and another was found dead in a hole. There are no cameras or security at residences,” said one student.

University spokesperson JP Roodt said the council had decided to create an interim SRC until the new constitution is finalised. He denied the safety claims, saying, “Crime is going down. We have 64 guards working day and night.”

Students are also calling for Vice-Chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu to resign, accusing him of running the university “with an iron fist.”

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Patrick Osode confirmed that all teaching, tests, and research have been suspended for 48 hours while the situation is reviewed.

Pictured above: University of Fort Hare.

Image source: Democratic Alliance