After days of not going to class, the University of Fort Hare yesterday gave its students an ultimatum – either go back to class at 8am today or face a complete shutdown.
This was contained in a strongly worded letter sent to students and staff following violent scenes that played out at the institution last week. Students boycotted classes in protest over internal safety concerns.
During the protest a multimillion-rand building was set alight and equipment worth millions of rands went up in flames.
A letter sent to the university community read that if students continued with the protest action, the management would be forced to shut down all campuses and evacuate students from residences.
“The future of our diligent students and the interests of their parents, guardians and sponsors can no longer be allowed to be ignored and trampled upon by a few individuals with scant regard for the rights of others,” the letter further reads.
The Daily Dispatch understands that the students convened a mass meeting last night to decide whether they would heed the call.
Meanwhile, there has been no learning at the university’s East London campus as students protested over internal issues.
Contacted for comment, Alice Student Representative Council president Ricardo Smith said: “Tonight we will be convening a students mass meeting to engage all the students as to what we should do. It is only then, after the students give us a mandate, we can comment properly.”
At the time of writing, it was not yet clear what the students had decided upon.
However, in the letter UFH management also stated they were aware of students who projected themselves as leaders of every student of the university.
“ have abrogated themselves a right to dictate to law-abiding students and university employees whether or not to carry on with their studies or perform their duties,” the letter reads. — siphem@dispatch.co.za