The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] in the Eastern Cape condemns the violence and destruction of property that has been associated with the student’s protest at the University of Fort Hare. 

The scenes of burning buildings playing out at such a historic institution scenes are concerning and worrisome. This institution has contributed significantly in shaping the landscape of our country and the African continent. Indeed, the institution has played a tremendous role in the development of our people. 

We call on students to desist from violence and destruction of property as it has the potential to overshadow their genuine demands. As NEHAWU, we support the call for the removal of the Vice-Chancellor [VC] of the University of Fort Hare, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu.

Since his arrival in the institution, we have witnessed collapse of governance in the institution as a result of high-handed management by the VC which has led to mismanagement, collapse of cordial relations, maladministration, refusal to respect collective bargaining, complete disregarding of labour laws and authoritarian management including union bashing, victimisation, harassment, intimidation of employees and students.

Hence, the union believes that there should be no way-forward in rebuilding the university with the current VC being involved. He should be proud of himself for having allowed the institution to collapse under his watch and this is the legacy that he deserves. The VC has turned this prestigious institution into a personal fiefdom and the chaos that has erupted is a confirmation that his vision has nothing to bear but pandemonium.

The current ongoing protests are as a result of his failures to govern the institution properly. However, that does not justify the violence and destruction that we are currently witnessing. The destruction of property must never be condoned. As such, we call on all stakeholders to find common ground and engage each other without resorting to violence and vandalism. 

The university must remain a centre of knowledge production that is capable of addressing societal needs as an asset of our nation, whose existence is to benefit our people. 

END 

Issued by NEHAWU Eastern Cape Secretariat

For more information, please contact: Mlu Ncapayi (Eastern Cape Provincial Secretary) at 063 685 1923 or email Mlungiseleli@nehawu.org.za or Samkelo Msila (Eastern Cape Provincial Deputy Secretary) at 066 1846112 or email samkelo@nehawu.org.za