Manamela labels Fort Hare protest criminal as damage could reach up to R500 million
Minister of Higher Education Buti Manamela has slammed the recent violent protests at the University of Fort Hare as “criminal,”
Image: Parliament of South Africa / Facebook
Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has slammed the recent violent protests at the University of Fort Hare as “criminal,” not a protest, warning that the academic year must be saved and that learning must resume within a week.
This comes as reports indicate that the protest at the university caused damage estimated between R250 million and R500 million, with key buildings set alight and academic activities brought to a halt.
In a press briefing on Saturday, Manamela said the department is working closely with police, the Eastern Cape government, and university management to restore calm and ensure the safe reopening of the institution.
"What has happened at Fort Hare is not protest; it is criminal. It destroys opportunity, erodes confidence, and undermines the dreams of thousands of young people who look to education as their only chance for a better life," Manamela said.
"We are working closely with the police, the Eastern Cape government, and the university’s security teams to restore calm and protect students and staff. I commend the Premier and his team for their swift efforts to stabilise the situation".
He added that the university has been directed to put in place all necessary measures to reopen safely, including temporary online learning options where needed.
"I’ve directed the University Council and management to put in place all necessary measures to reopen the institution safely and allow teaching and learning to continue, including temporary online modalities where required".
"Students must be able to complete their studies in peace and safety. That is a non-negotiable. The university must ensure that the academic year is not put in jeopardy".
He also revealed that the University Council will be asked to reflect on critical issues, including governance and leadership, the role of the student representative council (SRC), institutional culture, concerns over the Vice-Chancellor’s contract, and the in-sourcing of workers.
"We must remember that the situation at Fort Hare, is not a new matter. Over the past three years, the UFH has been plagued by cycles of violent episodes on campus. Notwithstanding the stakeholder engagements held for some time through the Department, Portfolio Committee and SAPS, violent responses persist. We have to end this".
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