‘Fort Hare inferno to cost R500m!’ – Manamela slams student chaos as ‘criminal, not protest’

SETA

Cape Town – Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has announced that restoring the University of Fort Hare’s damaged infrastructure will cost between R300 million and R500 million after seven buildings were torched during violent student protests at the Alice campus.

The protests were sparked by dissatisfaction with Vice-Chancellor Sakhela Buhlungu’s leadership and alleged mismanagement at the institution.

Manamela condemned the violence as criminal, not protest, stressing that it destroys opportunities for students and undermines the university’s mission.

The Department of Higher Education is working with SAPS, the Eastern Cape government, and university management to restore order and resume classes, possibly through temporary online learning.

The minister has tasked the university council to review governance, leadership, SRC roles, and worker insourcing. A ministerial team led by Prof Ahmed Bawa is consulting stakeholders, and Manamela will respond to their feedback soon.

He warned that violent unrest is spreading across universities, including the University of the Free State, and said some of the turmoil stems from corruption and tender-related disputes rather than genuine student grievances.

Manamela called for a systemic approach to conflict resolution instead of relying solely on security or courts, and said the council—not his ministry—will decide on Buhlungu’s future.

He also presented the department’s 2024–2025 annual report, showing improved financial controls, with irregular expenditure cut from R243 million to R175 million and 82% of procurement directed to black-owned businesses.

Manamela vowed to rebuild trust and stability in higher education, urging Fort Hare’s community to reject violence and uphold the university’s legacy as a beacon of learning and transformation.

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