Late last night, parts of the University of Fort Hare’s Alice campus were damaged in what officials are calling a deliberate act of arson. Investigations are underway.
In a public statement, USAf described the attack as “an assault on the future of South Africa”, calling for swift justice and reinforced security measures across campuses.
Classes have been suspended, and students are being relocated while authorities assess the damage. Many have expressed fear and frustration over recurring violence in academic spaces.
Fort Hare, one of South Africa’s oldest and most historically significant universities, has faced multiple security challenges in recent years, including theft, vandalism, and now arson.
USAf is urging government and university leadership to prioritize infrastructure protection and student safety, warning that continued neglect could erode public trust in higher education.
The university has vowed to rebuild and restore affected facilities, while USAf plans to convene a national summit on campus safety and resilience later this year.
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