Lungelo Nduduzo

The University of Fort Hare, a reputable institution that is reputed as the Cradle of Leaders is in a deep quagmire due to violent student uprisings that erupted in early October 2025. The riots which were characterized by arsons resulting to a maximum of R 500 million damage have resulted in closure of campuses, arrests, and political interference at the top rank. The root cause of the conflict is years of student resentment of substandard accommodation, late allowances and security issues. What elicited the instant response was the university management move to suspend Student Representative Council elections and install an interim body, a step that students described as undemocratic. Although the government criticizes the violence, it also understands the validity of the issues behind the violence. Having a ministerial team on the ground, however, the task is to overcome these historical inefficiencies and rebuild order and confidence at this sacred academic establishment.