While some University of Fort Hare students defied a call by the institution’s management to vacate residences yesterday, others were seen packing their bags and leaving in fear for their safety.
University management had told the students to vacate the campuses and residences and return with their parents, guardians or financial sponsors next month, as they had not heeded a call by the university to return to classes on Wednesday.
For the past three weeks students have been boycotting classes as they demand the release of a forensic audit report; a fee waiver; the compensation of indemnity fees among other demands.
Student leaders said more than 40 laptops, and other student properties like cellphones and clothes have been stolen from residences by criminals in the presence of security guards on campus.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch, student leader Busisiwe Mashiqa said the students were not going anywhere as the call by the management was illegal.
When a Daily Dispatch team visited the Alice campus yesterday, a few students were seen leaving while others said they were going nowhere as they came from other provinces.
Police were a visible presence on the campus.
In a letter published on the institution’s website this week, vice-chancellor Mvuyo Tom said management was aware that a certain group of students was dictating to law-abiding students and employees whether or not to carry on with their studies or perform their duties.
In a Facebook post, SRC president Luxolo Nqala said both Alice and East London SRC were working together to ensure that no one was evicted and brutalised by police.
“We urge students to stay in their respective rooms so that we ensure their safety,” wrote Nqala.
East London campus premier Sonwabiso Mamkeli said they were still standing by their decision not to vacate the residences. — Additional reporting by Sino Majangaza
Some Fort Hare students refuse to vacate campus
University management had told the students to vacate the campuses and residences and return with their parents, guardians or financial sponsors next month, as they had not heeded a call by the university to return to classes on Wednesday.
For the past three weeks students have been boycotting classes as they demand the release of a forensic audit report; a fee waiver; the compensation of indemnity fees among other demands.
Student leaders said more than 40 laptops, and other student properties like cellphones and clothes have been stolen from residences by criminals in the presence of security guards on campus.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch, student leader Busisiwe Mashiqa said the students were not going anywhere as the call by the management was illegal.
When a Daily Dispatch team visited the Alice campus yesterday, a few students were seen leaving while others said they were going nowhere as they came from other provinces.
Police were a visible presence on the campus.
In a letter published on the institution’s website this week, vice-chancellor Mvuyo Tom said management was aware that a certain group of students was dictating to law-abiding students and employees whether or not to carry on with their studies or perform their duties.
In a Facebook post, SRC president Luxolo Nqala said both Alice and East London SRC were working together to ensure that no one was evicted and brutalised by police.
“We urge students to stay in their respective rooms so that we ensure their safety,” wrote Nqala.
East London campus premier Sonwabiso Mamkeli said they were still standing by their decision not to vacate the residences. — Additional reporting by Sino Majangaza
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