FORT HARE LOCKDOWN
Police formed a ring of steel around the University of Fort Hare’s Alice campus as violence flared up once again late last night, ahead of the expected arrival of President Jacob Zuma and his Zimbabwean counterpart Robert Mugabe today.
But Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko reassured the media that everything would be under control as at least 139 police officers were deployed at the Alice campus last night and a further 266 would be added at midnight to ensure greater security ahead of the main event.
Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, speaking at a press conference at the Alice campus late last night said: “I hope in the future people will address issues in a civilised manner. We also urge students and management to find a better means of resolving issues.”
He would not divulge how much the celebration was likely to cost, saying they would count the cost afterwards.
Mugabe arrived in the country yesterday and the two presidents are due to address the institution’s centenary celebrations today – though protesting students have vowed to disrupt Zuma’s speech.
Event organiser Luthando Bara said: “President Mugabe is already in the country, and will be in Alice (today), along with several other dignitaries including President Zuma, Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi, businessman Barney Pityana and Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini.”
Mugabe is among the oldest surviving alumni of the prestigious university which, since its inception on February 8 1916, has drawn students from across Africa.
He is also the only remaining head of state alumnus.
Others were Sir Seretse Khama, the first president of Botswana; Yusef Lule, president of Uganda in 1979; Ntsu Mokhehle, prime minister of Lesotho from 1993 to 1998; and the late Nelson Mandela.
The event is hosted by the state as the government’s official contribution to the university’s centennial celebrations, with political and business leaders expected to stream in for the festivities. African Union chair Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma also arrived in East London yesterday.
But if protesting students have their way, there will be no celebrations today. The Alice campus was in complete lockdown yesterday as police stood by to curb further threats of violence and destruction.
On Wednesday night students vandalised the campus and burnt a marquee meant to act as an overflow area during the celebrations.
When the Daily Dispatch arrived yesterday morning more than 30 police vehicles were already at the campus, keeping a watchful eye.
Briefing the men and women in blue, police deputy provincial commissioner Major-General Andre Swart warned them to take their duties seriously.
“There are areas where the events will take place. We will monitor those. No person will go there and damage property,” he said.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Celiwe Binta also arrived and inspected damage.
By yesterday evening Nhleko and acting police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane were also there.
Later Nhleko, Nxesi and Masualle held a press conference where they assured all that the celebrations would continue.
Meanwhile emotions ran high at the Alice Magistrate’s Court where 14 students arrested for the violence on Wednesday were denied bail.
Three young women broke down and cried when magistrate Brendon Vogel postponed the case for eight more days, sending them back to jail while the state gathered more information for their bail hearing.
The Daily Dispatch has reliably learnt that the three were sent to the East London West Bank prison and all the male students were sent to the Fort Beaufort prison.
Commenting after the court proceedings, SRC President Bulali Rawana expressed concern over the court denying their peers bail.
“Remember this week we are entering a study week, because exams are starting,” said Rawana.
DA youth leader and MP Yusuf Cassim condemned the violent protests but called on the university management to address the students’ demands.
The student upheaval was as a result of the arrests last year of students protesting under the #FeesMustFall banner. That grouping, which is currently out on bail, appeared in court on Wednesday.
They are a different group from the ones arrested on Wednesday, when a resource centre was destroyed and tyres burnt at the institution’s gates.
Late yesterday the university approached the Bhisho High Court to interdict students from disrupting university activities.
Bara said security services were in full operation at the Alice campus to “ensure the smooth running” of today’s celebrations.