Businesses disrupted in two-day Fort Hare student protest

Economic activity in Dikeni was disrupted after a two-day protest linked to unrest at the University of Fort Hare. The protest, led by the student group Young Brightest Motivated Minds, began on Monday after students rejected the university’s academic opening, arguing their grievances had not been adequately addressed. Protest action resulted in campus entrances being closed, and spilt over into the surrounding town, disrupting businesses.

UFH spokesperson JP Roodt said the university’s management executive committee (MEC) had two meetings with the SRC last week. “One of the key outcomes of these engagements was the approval of a further set of generous financial concessions, which enabled students to register,” Roodt said. However, the university said it was disappointed the group had proceeded with protest action in violation of a standing court order.

“It is regrettable that illegal protest action was undertaken despite open and active channels of engagement that remain in place between university management and the SRC.” Roodt said the university continued to engage recognised student leadership structures through appropriate governance platforms. YBMM-deployed interim SRC president Uzusiphe Vazane said the protest was undertaken in the interests of being heard and ensuring that student concerns were addressed in a respectful and transparent manner. “The action we have taken is meant to ensure that student issues are taken seriously. Students remain open to a peaceful resolution.” Vazane said several student residences did not have electricity — which the university has denied — and that many students were struggling because of delays in NSFAS and other payments.