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The University of Fort Hare shut down all operations and ordered students to leave the Alice campus by 09 October Thursday afternoon. The decision followed violent protests and arson attacks that broke out on Wednesday evening, 8 October.
WHAT HAPPENED
Student protests at the University of Fort Hare’s Alice campus turned violent this week. Tension rose sharply on 07 October and reached breaking point on 08 October Wednesday evening when several campus buildings caught fire.
Witnesses said students clashed with private security and police during the unrest. The violence left two students injured and caused extensive property damage.
Protesters began demonstrating on Monday, 6 October. They demanded that Student Representative Council (SRC) elections take place this month and called for an end to the contract extension of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu.
By late Wednesday 08 October, the situation spiraled out of control, forcing management to intervene.
OFFICIAL RESPONSE
University management announced the immediate closure of the campus on Thursday morning, 9 October. They said escalating threats to safety made continued operations impossible.
“The threats to staff and students, along with property destruction, left us with no alternative,” the statement read.
Officials instructed all students to vacate by 5:00 p.m. Thursday 09 October. Management stressed that protecting lives and restoring order remain their top priorities.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s office said some classes may continue online until the situation stabilizes. University leadership promised to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
The closure has disrupted both academic and local community life. Many students, especially those in campus housing, scrambled to find transport and temporary accommodation. Local businesses in Alice—particularly those serving students—expect major losses.
Community leaders urged calm and encouraged dialogue.
“Fort Hare has a proud history of activism, but we must protect life and property,” said a local councillor. “Dialogue, not destruction, is the way forward.”
The shutdown adds to a growing wave of student unrest across South African universities, reflecting deeper frustrations with governance and student representation.
