EAST LONDON- The University of Fort Hare (UFH) Council conducted a thorough inspection on 15 and 16 October 2025 of the damage caused by recent protests on the East London and Dikeni campuses. The delegation engaged with students and assessed the extent of the destruction, which includes the Education Building and the Vice-Chancellor’s office in the main building on the East London campus, as well as the agriculture laboratories, administration building and human resources offices on the Dikeni campus.
Interim Chairperson of the Council Khuselwa Marala explained that the estimated damage is around R300 million to R500 million, with restoration expected to take up to two years. Marala highlighted that the university is working hard to ensure the 2025 academic year remains on track, with plans to recap lost teaching days and adjust the exam schedule.
“Academic theaters and lecture halls are unaffected allowing for face-to-face and online lectures to continue. The sports center in Alice Campus, serving as the main exam venue, is also intact”, said Marala. A major challenge remains the practical exams for science students, with the university exploring options to address this issue. The timing and solution will determine whether these exams proceed as planned or are deferred.
In addition the university is committed to ensuring the 2025 academic year remains on track, with efforts being put in place to adjust the exam schedule and provide alternative venues for exams.
Photographs: UFH/Supplied
