The Higher Education Committee has raised serious concerns about governance failures, unsafe student housing, and inadequate security at the University of Fort Hare, following widespread destruction caused by student protests.
Speaking at a media briefing on Monday as part of the Social Service and Peace and Security Cluster, committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie described the situation as a “sad reality,” warning that the university had lost critical infrastructure, including buildings, ICT equipment, and teaching and research resources.
Leistie said the estimated cost of the damage was between R250 million and R500 million, noting that the crisis could have been prevented if university management and council had engaged with students proactively while processes to amend the SRC constitution were underway.
“We are deeply concerned that it required such extensive damage for the university stakeholders to get the attention of council and management and to finally acknowledge and respond to student grievances,” he said, adding that the outcome reflected a troubling pattern of neglect.
The committee highlighted governance concerns, including the extension of the vice-chancellor’s term without consulting the institutional forum.
Letsie said this undermined participatory governance. “Council indicated to us that they did not see the need to consult with the institutional forum as they were extending the term that they had already agreed on, which is very troubling,” he said.
Student housing conditions were described as “alarming,” with many residences failing to meet Department of Higher Education and Training minimum norms and standards.
Letsie cited non-functional geysers, plastic baths in rooms due to lack of hot water, and structural concerns in newer buildings. “One building, 2.3, is reportedly moving apart, creating cracks that could pose serious safety risks. The Department of Labour would immediately revoke its certificate of occupancy if it were inspected,” he said.
Security at the university was also severely compromised. Letsie noted that biometric access systems were non-functional and security personnel lacked proper equipment, putting students and staff at risk. He referenced the deaths of two female students, suggesting that better security could have prevented such incidents.
While affirming the constitutional right of students to protest, Letsie condemned acts of arson, vandalism, and destruction of property, emphasizing the need for accountability. “It will never take a crisis or distractions for leadership to listen,” he said. “
We urge all institutions to commit to meaningful, transparent, and sustained dialogue with students moving forward.”
The committee also raised concerns about the University of Free State’s plan to discontinue provisional registration for students with outstanding debt, which would disproportionately affect NSFAS-funded students.
Leistie said some students could not register because university-owned residences charged more than the funding provided by NSFAS, effectively excluding poorer students from accessing education.
Leistie criticised the handling of protests at the University of Free State, noting that students were brutally assaulted by private security and police, which escalated peaceful demonstrations into violence.
He also condemned the short notice given for student evictions, describing it as “unrealistic and unsafe,” particularly for students from distant regions.
As a result of the findings , the committee recommended that the Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela appoint an independent assessor at the University of Fort Hare.
Letsie suggested that the minister invoke sections 43 and 44 of the Higher Education Act to place an administrator at the institution to assess its fitness to operate effectively.
“It will never take a crisis or distractions for leadership to listen. We urge all institutions to commit to meaningful, transparent, and sustained dialogue with students,” he said.
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