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What Happened
The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the Eastern Cape has strongly condemned the University of Fort Hare’s management, accusing it of authoritarian leadership and poor governance. The statement follows weeks of unrest at the institution, marked by protests from students and workers over alleged mismanagement and unfair labour practices.
According to the ANCYL, the unrest is a result of “leadership failures,” not indiscipline among students. It also criticised the decision by the university to establish an interim Student Representative Council (SRC), describing it as “a direct violation of student democracy.”
Official Response
In its statement, the ANCYL accused the Vice-Chancellor of fostering a “toxic environment” marked by intimidation and disregard for academic freedom. The organisation also condemned the University Council for extending the Vice-Chancellor’s contract “unprocedurally and unlawfully,” warning that the move undermines transparency and institutional trust.
“We have communities that depend on the moral integrity of public institutions,” the statement noted. The ANCYL also voiced solidarity with university workers calling for the insourcing of services, saying resistance from management reflects “a lack of commitment to transformation and social justice.”
While condemning violence and property damage, the Youth League urged protesters to remain disciplined. “Our struggle must lie in its moral force and correctness of its demands, not in destructive actions,” the statement said.
Community Impact
The ANCYL called on the Department of Higher Education and Training to intervene and restore democratic governance at Fort Hare. It also urged the immediate withdrawal of the interim SRC plan and reaffirmed Fort Hare’s role as “a centre of excellence and transformation.”
Quoting revolutionary leader Che Guevara, the statement concluded: “The revolution is not a fruit that falls when it is ripe.”
