Fort Hare students clash with council over vice-chancellor’s future
Professor Sakhela Buhlungu
Students at the University of Fort Hare are calling for the immediate retirement of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, who turned 65 on Friday. Demonstrators argue that Buhlungu has reached the statutory retirement age and should vacate office with immediate effect.
The protest erupted at the Alice campus, where students threatened to shut down university operations if their demands were ignored. Buhlungu, who first assumed office in 2017 and was granted a second term in 2021, faces growing opposition from both students and staff.
Suspended SRC president Aphelele Khalakahla insists Buhlungu’s reappointment was “unlawful” and lacked transparency.
“We demand that the council reverse the unlawful extension of his term. Proper consultation never took place,” Khalakahla said.
Beyond the retirement dispute, students and staff accuse the vice-chancellor of abuse of power and maladministration. Complaints include:
- Breakdown of student governance structures
- Deteriorating campus infrastructure
- Alleged intimidation of workers and students
- Long-term reliance on contract staff without permanent employment
- Poor student living conditions, including sewage problems, broken facilities, and a lack of hot water
Buhlungu has reportedly been given seven days to step down.
The university council strongly condemned the protest, describing it as a “dangerous and orchestrated shutdown” undermining governance reforms. In a statement, the institution said the demonstrations were driven by “criminal and corrupt elements” seeking improper access to university resources.