“Students Have a Right to Protest” – Fort Hare Tensions Boil Over

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Fort Hare is once again in the spotlight – this time for fiery student protests that led to the shutdown of the university and several buildings going up in flames. As students demand the removal of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sakhela Buhlungu, Parliament’s Higher Education Committee Chair Steve Letsie has weighed in, saying students have the right to protest when they feel aggrieved. He visited the embattled institution and accepted a memorandum from student leaders, acknowledging their grievances as “genuine.” Phemelo speaks to Letsie about the escalating unrest.
14 Oct 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

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