University of Fort Hare Implements Recovery Plan to Restore Stability

UFH announces recovery plan from the strike. (UFH via Facebook)

by Lwandiso Simanga

The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has announced an Integrated Recovery Plan to restore stability and ensure academic continuity after operations were disrupted on 8 October 2025.

The plan, approved by the University’s Management Executive Committee (MEC) and Emergency Management Task Team (EMTT), outlines steps to resume teaching, learning, student affairs, property management, and ICT services. Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to completing the academic year.

He stated that the University Council, MEC, Extended Management Team, and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) share a unified goal to preserve the academic year, allowing examinations to proceed and enabling students, particularly final-year learners, to graduate next year.

Significant damage was reported on the Alice Campus, where a new University Clinic scheduled to open next month was destroyed. The Agriculture Building, which housed recently upgraded laboratories worth R20 million, the Staff Centre, and three sections of the Main Administration Building were also damaged.

The Student Affairs building suffered considerable harm, and the Education Building on the East London Campus was affected as well. A large-scale clean-up operation is already in progress.

Professor Buhlungu confirmed that the Integrated Recovery Plan will be submitted to the University Council and shared with the Minister of Higher Education. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure campus safety and transparent communication with all stakeholders.

“We are addressing occupational health and safety concerns and engaging with students and staff to reduce tensions and support a return to normal operations,” he said. He urged students to await official confirmation before returning to campus.

Professor Buhlungu further stressed the importance of unity, communication, and shared responsibility during the recovery phase. “I have instructed MEC portfolio heads to engage directly with staff and students to promote awareness and confidence in the continuity plans,” he added.

He concluded by thanking all staff members for their resilience and professionalism, encouraging the entire UFH community to uphold the institution’s values of respect and dedication during this challenging period.