Manamela, Parliament call for calm amid violence at Fort Hare University

In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, Manamela said he had engaged directly with student leaders, urging them to de-escalate tensions and ensure all protests remain peaceful. 

"I have had a discussion with student representatives and implored them to de-escalate the situation at the university, ensure that all protest action is peaceful, and provide leadership that protects both lives and university property".

The unrest, which has affected campuses in Alice and East London, is linked to student grievances over urgent elections and the alleged mismanagement of governance systems.

Minister Manamela said he had also communicated with the University Council through its Chairperson to request a detailed de-escalation plan, including measures to protect lives and campus infrastructure. 

"A Ministerial and Departmental team, led by Professor Ahmed Bawa, is already on the ground engaging management, student leaders, unions, and the Institutional Forums to help stabilise the situation and facilitate dialogue."

The minister condemned the acts of violence and vandalism, warning that such conduct undermines the university’s legacy and diverts resources from improving education. 

"We remain concerned about the destruction of property and acts of violence and condemn in the strongest terms actions that rob future generations of learning opportunities and divert scarce resources from improving the quality of education in our country."

Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has strongly condemned the violent protests, citing concerns over disrupted academic programs and damage to university property. 

Students are demanding urgent elections by the end of October and the immediate resignation of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, whom they accuse of failing to uphold governance structures. 

The committee also expressed concern over reports that elected student leaders have been suspended and replaced by appointees of university management. 

"While the right to protest is protected, the level of violence and destruction is unacceptable and detrimental to the university’s reputation and the students’ education," said Committee Chairperson Tebogo Letsie. 

He urged university management to prioritise open communication and engage meaningfully with student leaders and all affected stakeholders to address the root causes of unrest. 

"These protests are occurring at a critical time when students should be focused on their examinations and must be addressed immediately," Letsie added, calling on all parties to find a peaceful and constructive resolution to ensure the academic year is not further compromised.

Manamela reiterated that all students and stakeholders must refrain from violence and protect the university’s legacy. 

"I implore all students and stakeholders to refrain from violence, intimidation, and damage to property. Let us protect the University of Fort Hare’s proud legacy through dialogue, discipline, and collective responsibility."

Founded in 1916, the University of Fort Hare is one of South Africa’s oldest and most historically significant institutions, producing alumni such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and Robert Sobukwe. 

However, in recent years, the university has faced persistent governance challenges, funding disputes, administrative backlogs, and violent confrontations between student groups and management. 

The latest unrest underscores ongoing tensions in the higher education sector, where financial pressures, accommodation crises, and administrative inefficiencies persistently fuel student frustration.

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