Burning down Fort Hare will only make students’ life worse

19 May 2016

DASO condemns the violent vandalism that was witnessed yesterday and last night at the University of Fort Hare (UFH).

We understand that several tents have been burnt and that other buildings – linked to the centenary celebration – are being targeted. We are also aware that members of SAPS are currently protecting buildings from further vandalism. 

This violence will not help those students who are facing a legitimate funding crisis. This will only make the situation worse, and take even more funds away from the University – as they repair the damage. 

This funding crisis, which has led to tensions flaring up, was a long time coming. Minister Blade Nzimande must be made to answer for the real mess in which Fort Hare finds itself today.

As I revealed at a press conference yesterday, the University has admitted that funding for students has dried up. NSFAS agreements have therefore not been signed. 

The University and its management are playing with the futures of thousands of students in the Eastern Cape.

I had requested that UFH management be summoned to Parliament to explain its gross mismanagement last year. The ANC stopped this from happening, and have still not agreed. The Minister has equally not taken any steps to address this corruption.

The ANC simply doesn’t care about poor students in the Eastern Cape. They must be made to answer for their gross inaction which has allowed for this crisis to unfold this past week.

We again urge all students to desist using violent means to protest their legitimate concerns over funding, and to reject outright those who incite violence as a way to solve the problem. It is never the solution.

DASO will continue to demand answers and action using our elected SRC members on the council, and Parliament, because we cannot allow for this opportunity-stealing mismanagement to continue any longer. 

Issued by Yusuf Cassim, DASO Leader, 19 May 2016