Academic operations at the University of Fort Hare's (UFH) Alice Campus remain suspended as students continue to protest against the university's decision to amend the Student Governance Constitution without the involvement of a democratically elected Student Representative Council (SRC).
While the campus is shut down, online classes are continuing.
The unrest was triggered by the institution's announcement that an interim SRC would be appointed to oversee the constitutional amendment process. Protesting students have rejected this move, demanding that any changes to the constitution must include an SRC chosen by the student body, not appointed by management.
"The interim SRC is not student-centered. Those people are not democratically elected," one student protester asserted. "They are installed by the management. So now they are definitely... they will definitely be controlled by management. They will not serve students."
The students argue that a management-controlled SRC would compromise their interests, especially with the critical registration period for the new academic year approaching.
The protest action has expanded to include other grievances. Students are also demanding the reversal of a decision to extend the Vice-Chancellor's contract and calling for increased safety measures on campus.
The situation turned violent, with students alleging severe misconduct by police. One student gave a harrowing account of being injured by officers.
"It's very disappointing for a police officer to throw someone off the bridge and then continuously shoot," the student claimed. "You can imagine, at the hands that you are supposed to be feeling safe, but it's them which are endangering you." The student, who stated they were left traumatized, plans to open a case against the police.
In response to the crisis, a university spokesperson called for calm and affirmed the institution's commitment to addressing the students' concerns.
The spokesperson defended the establishment of the interim SRC, stating, "It was the university's council that established an interim SRC while the SRC constitution is being finalized, and fresh elections will follow."
Addressing the demands for improved safety, the spokesperson pointed to a significant security investment. "We have seen statistically that crime is trending down. At each night shift and day shift, we have 64 guards patrolling Alice campus," the spokesperson said, also highlighting a R32 million security system with cameras scheduled to be rolled out in December.
The police involvement has escalated beyond the alleged brutality. Authorities confirmed that five students have been arrested for public violence and are due to appear in court soon.
With students vowing to intensify their protests if their demands are not met, the standoff at the University of Fort Hare continues, leaving the campus tense and its academic future uncertain.