The Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO) welcomes the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) formal request to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education to urgently intervene at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and help restore calm, safety, and accountability on campus.
The violent protests and burning of university buildings have caused immense damage and disrupted the academic lives of thousands of students. While we acknowledge the legitimate frustrations of students regarding representation and governance, these grievances can never justify violence, intimidation, or the destruction of property.
However, we equally condemn the University management’s decision to establish an interim SRC without proper consultation with students and governance structures. This approach is undemocratic and has directly raised tensions by stripping students of their rightful voice.
The solution lies not in destructive protests or authoritarian impositions. We urgently call for an immediate end to all violence and for university management to dissolve the illegitimate interim SRC.
The only sustainable path forward is a return to genuine dialogue and collaboration. We demand the establishment of a transparent, independently overseen process to form a legitimate student government that truly represents the student body.
DASO calls on all parties to de-escalate, act in good faith, and work collaboratively towards a peaceful resolution that addresses the core issues and serves the best interests of Fort Hare students.