MK party calls for urgent intervention at crisis-hit Fort Hare University

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has called for the immediate intervention of government at the University of Fort Hare following ongoing student protests over what it described as a governance and leadership crisis.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the MK Party said it was deeply concerned by reports of unrest and deteriorating conditions at the institution. Students have been protesting against the alleged unlawful extension of the Vice Chancellor’s term of office and the irregular appointment of a Student Representative Council that was not elected.

According to the party, members of Parliament serving on the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education recently conducted an emergency oversight visit to the university after receiving complaints from students. During the visit, students reportedly raised concerns about intimidation by heavily armed private security guards deployed on campus.

The party said students also highlighted poor living conditions, including overcrowded residences, sanitation challenges, and lack of proper maintenance. Many students were said to be relying on wash basins due to limited or no access to running water.

The MK Party said the university has more than 6 000 residences, but several were in poor condition and unsuitable for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) beneficiaries. Appliances such as fridges, washing machines, and stoves were either broken or not maintained.

“Despite R54 million reportedly being allocated for maintenance in the 2024 financial year, with R40 million allegedly spent, the state of the residences does not reflect the use of those funds,” the statement said.

The party added that the university had allegedly evicted about 4 000 students while still expecting them to continue with the 2025 academic programme.

Students also raised concerns over what they described as a breakdown in governance, strained relations between institutional bodies and the university’s executive management, and lack of accountability from leadership.

The MK Party said the situation was worsened by the deaths of two female students this year under what it called troubling circumstances, which have raised fears about safety on campus.

In addition, the university’s transition to online learning was criticised for not being adequately supported. Students reportedly received mobile data but lacked access to broader academic and psychosocial support systems necessary for learning.

The MK Party said the combination of poor living conditions, governance challenges, and lack of proper student support had created a deep crisis that required urgent intervention from the Department of Higher Education and Training.

“In light of these serious failures, the MK Party calls for the immediate appointment of an administrator in accordance with the relevant legislation to restore order and accountability,” the statement said.

The party also called for urgent student assistance, including meal allowances, adequate housing, and essential services to ensure a safe and dignified learning environment.

Furthermore, the MK Party demanded the immediate removal of the Vice Chancellor, saying his continued stay beyond the retirement age undermined the integrity and legitimacy of the institution’s leadership.

“The University of Fort Hare must return to stability and proper governance to protect the interests of its students and preserve its legacy as one of the country’s historic universities,” said MK Party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.