Fort Hare orders student evacuation after violent protests
Fort Hare orders student evacuation after violent protests that caused extensive damage estimated between R250 million and R500 million. The University of Fort Hare (UFH) in the Eastern Cape has suspended all operations following a wave of destruction, fires, and escalating tensions linked to student unrest on its Alice campus.
Violent protests lead to campus-wide shutdown
Firefighters and UFH campus protection services have been battling multiple blazes since Wednesday evening. The university confirmed that several key buildings were petrol-bombed, including the Main Administrative Building, the Student Affairs Building, the Agriculture Faculty, and a new campus clinic that was set to open later this month.
In its official statement, the institution said, “Earlier this evening, multiple acts of arson were perpetrated on our Alice campus, including petrol-bomb attacks on several key facilities. At the time of issuing this statement, no injuries or loss of life have been reported.”
Preliminary assessments suggest the total campus arson damage could reach half a billion rand. The full extent will only be determined once fire and structural safety teams complete their evaluations.
Student protests over SRC appointments and leadership
According to university officials, the violent demonstrations were sparked by plans to appoint an interim Student Representative Council (SRC) during amendments to the student governance constitution. Some students viewed this as an undemocratic process and began mobilising protests earlier in the week.
Protesters have also called for the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, to step down, accusing him of mismanagement and failing to engage with student concerns.
JP Roodt, the university’s Director of Marketing and Communication, stated that the situation had escalated beyond normal student unrest. “The latest developments, including large-scale destruction of property, indicate that we are dealing with much bigger issues, with a significant component of sponsored violence and criminality,” he said.
Immediate evacuation and suspension of classes
The Fort Hare University protests have forced management to take drastic measures to ensure student safety and protect what remains of campus property. All students were ordered to vacate the premises by 17:00 on 09 October 2025.
In a follow-up statement, UFH confirmed that all academic and administrative operations would remain suspended until further notice. Online classes are being considered as a temporary alternative, though infrastructure challenges may delay this transition.
Widespread damage and financial setback
The university estimates that rebuilding efforts could take several months and cost hundreds of millions of rands. Among the most severely affected structures is the newly completed campus clinic, which was to provide expanded healthcare services for students and staff.
The South African higher education sector has long faced challenges related to funding, governance, and student unrest. However, the scale of destruction at Fort Hare marks one of the most serious incidents in recent years.
Officials say the fires consumed crucial administrative records, research equipment, and valuable historical archives. Insurance assessments are underway, but the long-term recovery process is expected to be costly.
Government response and calls for calm
Higher Education Deputy Minister Buti Manamela expressed deep concern about the crisis and said he had requested a comprehensive de-escalation plan from the university. “We cannot allow violence to define student activism,” he said. “The focus must return to learning and rebuilding trust within institutions of higher learning.”
The department is also working with law enforcement and emergency services to ensure the protection of remaining infrastructure. Several arrests are expected as authorities review security footage and eyewitness reports.
Historical significance of Fort Hare University
Founded in 1916, the University of Fort Hare holds a proud place in South African history as the alma mater of iconic leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and Robert Sobukwe. The institution has long symbolized academic excellence and political transformation.
However, in recent years, Fort Hare has been plagued by administrative challenges, allegations of corruption, and growing tensions between management and students. This latest episode has once again placed the university under national scrutiny, raising questions about corporate governance and the ability of institutions to maintain order amid social and political pressures.
Broader implications for South African higher education
The violent protests and subsequent evacuation have reignited debate about security and student governance across South African higher education institutions. Analysts warn that the Fort Hare incident could set a precedent for how universities respond to large-scale campus disruptions.
According to higher education expert Dr. Mpho Mabitsela, the Fort Hare crisis exposes deep-rooted problems within university governance systems. “There is a pattern of tension between student representation and management accountability,” she explained. “When communication fails, frustration manifests in violence — something that must be addressed through long-term structural reform.”
Mabitsela also warned that financial recovery for the university could be hampered by reduced investor confidence and higher insurance premiums.
Evacuation efforts and student reactions
Students were seen packing their belongings on Thursday morning, with university buses and private taxis ferrying hundreds off campus. While some expressed frustration at being forced to leave, others welcomed the evacuation as a necessary safety measure.
A third-year student from the Agriculture Department said, “It’s sad to see our university burning. We just want the administration to listen to our concerns. Violence is not the solution, but neither is silence.”
Meanwhile, final-year students have voiced concerns about how the suspension of classes might affect graduation schedules and exam preparations. The university has not yet provided clarity on how the academic calendar will be adjusted.
Path forward and rebuilding trust
Restoring calm and rebuilding infrastructure will be an enormous task for Fort Hare management. The university has vowed to engage with stakeholders — including students, government officials, and local communities — to rebuild both its physical and institutional foundations.
In closing, the Fort Hare orders student evacuation after violent protests marks a turning point not just for the institution, but for the broader landscape of South African higher education. It underscores the urgent need for better communication between students and university authorities, stricter security measures, and renewed investment in governance stability.
The coming months will determine whether Fort Hare can recover its legacy as one of South Africa’s most respected academic institutions — or whether this event will remain a symbol of unresolved tensions within the country’s university system.
