Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemns the violent unrest and intimidation of staff and students at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) that has led to the immediate shutdown of all operations. This follows the large-scale destruction of university infrastructure in direct defiance of a Bhisho High Court interdict issued on 7 October 2025.
The DA has written to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education to ensure that this matter receives urgent parliamentary attention, with a clear recovery plan and accountability framework presented by both the Department and university management to restore safety on campuses.
We further request the establishment of an independent forensic investigation into the destruction of property and the reported “sponsored violence and criminality”; and independent mediation to resolve the dispute over student representation and the SRC constitution, which appears to have triggered the unrest.
The destruction amounts to between R250 million and R500 million, marking one of the most devastating campus crises in recent years.
There is no justification for burning public property, endangering lives, or derailing the academic year of thousands of students — many of whom were preparing for their final examinations.
At the same time, the DA recognises that the protests stem from legitimate frustrations around student governance and representation.
Fort Hare management must urgently communicate a clear and compassionate academic continuity plan. Thousands of students have been displaced and are anxious about their futures. The university must publish a detailed outline on how it will continue with lectures, assessments and examinations, including measures for international students and those unable to continue learning online.
Those responsible for orchestrating or carrying out these attacks must face the full might of the law. The safety of students and staff must be guaranteed before any phased reopening can occur.
South Africa cannot afford another lost academic year. The immediate priority must be to restore order, protect lives, and safeguard learning — for the sake of the students, the staff, and the proud legacy of Fort Hare.
Regards
Dr Delmaine Christians MP
DA Spokesperson on Higher Education & Training