Over 50 organisations unite to defend democracy and safeguard Fort Hare

Following the recent harrowing destruction and arson at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), over 30 organisations based in the Eastern Cape, and over 140 organisations and individuals across the country, have come together to reclaim and safeguard this historic institution, and call for democratic values to be restored and upheld. These organisations and individuals are deeply committed to the renewal of the Eastern Cape province, to building transparent and accountable institutions, strengthening responsive and ethical governance, and nurturing an active citizenry in line with the values of South Africa’s Constitution.

What has unfolded at UFH is deeply disturbing. For several years, the university’s community, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, has been engaged in an arduous and courageous process of renewal, tackling entrenched corruption, rebuilding systems, and restoring integrity to one of South Africa’s most historic institutions.

The recent destruction and arson at UFH wiped out millions of rands of investment including a brand new student health clinic, staff centre and refurbished laboratories. We are gravely concerned that criminal networks are attempting to destabilise this public institution to protect corrupt interests. Such actions are not only attacks on the university, but attacks on South Africa’s democracy and constitutional order.

It is particularly alarming that these violent incidents have emerged as the Special Investigating Unit’s reports probing corruption at Fort Hare are proceeding to prosecution. The possibility that these acts represent sabotage or retaliation against ongoing anti-corruption efforts is deeply troubling.

At the same time, we recognise the legitimate right of students to raise their concerns, organise, and undertake peaceful protest, rights that are enshrined in our Constitution and essential to democracy.

We call for calm, reflection, and dialogue, and urge all parties to engage in a solution-oriented process that strengthens the institution rather than tears it apart.

We call for a full and transparent investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the acts of arson and violence, and for accountability at every level.

We call on the university leadership to extend an olive branch to all members of the university community, students, staff, and management alike, to work together towards an effective, institutionalised process for engagement and renewal.

We call on broader Eastern Cape communities to stand up, protect, and reclaim Fort Hare as a key public institution that belongs to all of us, and whose integrity and future must be safeguarded.

Finally, we call on the Department of Higher Education and Training, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, and all relevant state bodies to unequivocally support the ongoing fight against corruption, and ensure support and protection for the leadership driving it.

Professor Buhlungu and others have demonstrated remarkable resolve in the face of immense personal risk and sacrifice. The sustained efforts to clean up UFH, despite intimidation, violence, and loss, reflect the kind of leadership that our country so urgently needs.

We stand with all those in the Eastern Cape who are committed to honest governance and institutional renewal.

It is time for accountability to be strengthened, not undermined; for integrity to be protected, not punished.

We stand with the University of Fort Hare.

We stand for justice, renewal, honest leadership and the future of the Eastern Cape.