An exam hall and some parts of the University of Fort Hare were allegedly set alight by students on Sunday night, in an attempt to halt their mid-year exams.
Videos circulating on social media show some of the university’s infrastructure up in flames after a group of students had allegedly set fire to some parts of the campus a few hours before they were expected to sit for their mid-year exams this week.
According to reports and comments on social media, the students are said to be unhappy with the exam schedule as they claimed it was “too congested”.
However, the university said that exams will go ahead as planned.
The university has confirmed that the foyer of its indoor sports centre where exams are held, was destroyed by the fire, while furniture and a computer lab were vandalised. A nearby shop was reported as vandalised.
The University of Fort Hare (@ufh1916) is burning as students torch exam halls to halt the start of exams. These are live scenes of the burning Sports Complex where all major events, including exams, happen. I'm not sure what it'll take to fix this historical institution. 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/jXZr4Fhv47
— Khaya Sibulele Koko 🇿🇦 (@khayakoko88) June 4, 2023
The university said that students and faculties were consulted about changes to the exam schedule weeks ago.
National spokesperson for the South African Union of Students (SAUS) Asive Dlanjwa said the alleged arson attack by students was “absolutely disgusting and brazen criminality”.
In a Twitter post this morning, Dlanjwa said that those responsible for the fire and vandalisation have committed a crime against the poor and working class.
“This is infrastructure meant to uplift and redeem our people from the clutches of poverty! Students must not harbour and protect these criminals, they must come forth with information, so that they can face the full might of the law,” he said.
There is absolutely No reason justifiable enough for students to burn and destroy their own infrastructure!
— Asive Dlanjwa | SASCO DSG (@AsiveDlanjwa) June 4, 2023
The burning of the University of Fort Hare Alice Sports Complex (allegedly by students) is absolutely disgusting and brazen criminality!
Those responsible have committed… pic.twitter.com/Aaqd61gVyU
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