Manamela says work is underway to resume academic activities at UFH
Thando Ngcobo
11 October 2025 | 14:42This follows several days of violent unrest that left parts of the historic institution damaged.
The Department of Higher Education has indicated that it’s working closely with law enforcement and Eastern Cape authorities to ensure that academic activities at the University of Fort Hare resume within the coming week.
This follows several days of violent unrest that left parts of the historic institution damaged.
Student leaders are demanding the immediate resignation of Vice Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, accusing him of poor governance and failing to address their grievances.
They also claim his contract was unlawfully extended for another five years.
Protesting students are also calling for fresh student representative council elections after management tried to install an interim representative council.
In a press briefing in Pretoria on Saturday, Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela said his department is working with police, the Eastern Cape government, and campus security to restore calm and safeguard students and staff.
“Our immediate priority is to ensure that the academic programme resumes within the next week,” Manamela said.
He says the university council and management have been instructed to implement all necessary safety measures, including temporary online learning options where needed.
He stressed that the academic year must not be lost and that students must be able to complete their studies.
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