“EC stands firmly with the students and workers of UFH against the on-going exclusions.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape has issued a statement expressing solidarity with students and workers at the University of Fort Hare (UFH). The statement reads: “EC stands firmly with the students and workers of UFH against the on-going exclusions, dismissals, poor state of infrastructure, lack of basic services, and unhealthy working, living, and learning conditions at the University.”
The EFF’s statement highlights the challenges faced by students and workers at UFH, including exclusions, dismissals, and poor infrastructure. The party has expressed concern over the lack of basic services and unhealthy working and living conditions at the university.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) in Eastern Cape has also, issued a statement strongly condemning the recent acts of violence and destruction of public property at the University of Fort Hare (UFH). The party expressed disappointment and outrage over the burning of the staff centre and violent clashes between students and university security. While the ANC supports the right to peaceful protest, it condemned the use of brutal force by university security against unarmed students. The party also denounced vandalism and destruction of public property, emphasizing that such actions undermine the pursuit of education and future generations. The ANC called for the university management and student representatives to engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis. The party also urged the Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, to intervene urgently to restore stability and normalcy at the institution.
The ANC emphasized the importance of promoting ethical and professional conduct within the university and ensuring that students’ genuine demands are addressed. The primary objective of universities is teaching, learning, and research, and these activities should remain sacrosanct. The party called on the management of UFH and its community to go to the table with the aim and objective to find a solution to the crisis. The statement further says, the management should create a safe learning and working environment at the Institution and not criminalize the plight of students. The ANC also called upon the structures of the university, such as the Council, Institutional Forums, Student Representative Council, trade unions, and Executive Management, to urgently resolve the impasse in order to restore stability in the institution and promote ethical and professionalism within this prestigious university. The statement concludes by reiterating the ANC’s support for the genuine and urgent needs of students, including creating more access to higher education.
