The minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela condemns the violent protests at the University of Fort Hare, describing them as “criminal” and urging students to stop immediately.
In a media briefing on Saturday, Manamela said the historic Eastern Cape institution was forced to suspend its academic programme last week, after students set six buildings alight. Some of the affected buildings housed valuable artefacts, exam papers, and unfinished research.
The damage to university property is estimated to be between R250 million and R500 million.Students have been protesting against the university’s management over the appointment of an interim Student Representative Council (SRC), and changes to the student constitution.
Manamela said the Department of Higher Education and Training is working with the police, the Eastern Cape government, and the university management to restore calm and resume learning within a week.
Sub-Editor: Thibela Thandeka
