SAHRC recommends constructive dialogue between SRC, management at WSU

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has recommended constructive dialogue between student leaders and management at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) to curb violent protests.

The commission released a report on Thursday into the unrest at the Mthatha campus, where a student, Sisonke Mbolekwa, was shot dead on campus earlier in 2025.

Residence manager Manelisi Mampane has been charged with the murder and attempted murder of other students.

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What started as a peaceful sit-in escalated when a private security company dispersed students with rubber bullets and pepper spray.

Things got worse when live ammunition was allegedly used.

SAHRC commissioner Eileen Carter said violence can never be a solution.

“One of the key recommendations and surely something that we need to invest in is dialogue. We cannot have protest action escalate above the protections that the Constitution already gives us.”

The commission has recommended that the student representative council (SRC) leaders must lead these dialogues.