FORT HARE - The University of Fort Hare has suspended in-person classes at its Alice campus in the Eastern Cape.
This comes after protests broke out on Tuesday morning as students expressed their unhappiness over unresolved residence issues dating back to 2025.
They have also raised concerns about the premises’ infrastructure and what they describe as inadequate security measures.
Last year, unknown perpetrators torched multiple buildings as demonstrations erupted over governance issues and the SRC elections.
READ | UFH protests | Committee believes violent protests were avoidable
Similar scenes were witnessed this time around, with reports of arson and road closures.
SRC representative Sinovuyo Ngqwangi says the situation could have been avoided if management had been willing to listen to their grievances.
She claims they are often met with “arrogance” from management, which results in their concerns not being heard.
“Blocking the road and trying to burn things was to first get their attention. So once we got their attention, the stakeholders were able to come to us after that.
“If it were not for that, I doubt if they would have come down to us and signed the memorandum of demands,” she said.
She says while the university has indicated that their grievances will be addressed by Friday, students have vowed to remain on the ground until then.
“We received a lot of calls from parents who are indeed worried. But I wish they could see the conditions we live under while they pay huge amounts for residence.
“They are paying over R58 000 for a room that does not have a light, heater or even a window... When parents, see students protest just know they are fighting for our rights.
In a statement issued earlier in the day, the University confirmed that teaching and learning would continue online until further notice.
It also thanked the staff and students for their cooperation amid what it called a 'temporary arrangement'.