The University of Fort Hare continues to grapple with compounded institutional challenges as Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu faces formal charges of gross misconduct, insubordination, and bringing the university into disrepute. The charges relate to an investigation into the appointment of two executive directors and follow his precautionary suspension earlier this year.
Azole Ntloko, President of the University of Fort Hare Student Representative Council (SRC), confirmed that efforts to stabilise the institution have been complicated by the ongoing leadership uncertainty. While students initially supported the precautionary suspension—viewing it as a potential end to alleged student victimization—Ntloko stressed that concerns over student treatment remain unresolved.
“Even in the absence of the Vice-Chancellor, students are still being brutalized,” Ntloko stated. He noted that numerous disciplinary cases involving students continue to proceed, sometimes relying on evidence the SRC disputes. The student body is actively seeking legal representation for affected students, several of whom have been suspended pending hearings.
Frustration is mounting over the pace of the disciplinary process against Professor Buhlungu. Ntloko questioned whether procedural delays serve legitimate investigative purposes or reflect deeper governance dysfunction. He highlighted that the university council’s suspension decision was reached by majority vote, with dissenting minority perspectives omitted from official communications.
A forensic report examining the executive appointments reportedly identified procedural irregularities but found no evidence of fraud or corruption. According to Ntloko, Professor Buhlungu acknowledged an error in the appointment process and expressed that the council at the time could have addressed the matter internally rather than initiating a formal investigation. The structural change—disbanding a single director role and creating two executive positions—lacked clear procedural guidelines, contributing to the controversy.
Beyond the leadership dispute, students face persistent administrative hurdles linked to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Ntloko detailed multiple systemic concerns:
- Allegations of financial irregularities involving allowance distribution partners, including the registration of “ghost students” who are not enrolled at the institution;
- Administrative delays in processing and communicating appeal outcomes, resulting in late or missed allowance disbursements;
- A split-payment structure for book allowances that complicates students’ ability to purchase textbooks and laptops upfront;
- Late payments to private accommodation providers and challenges with the NSFAS pilot project, particularly in metropolitan areas;
- Accommodation shortages in East London, where more than four tertiary institutions compete for the same housing resources without clear NSFAS allocation frameworks, leading some students to sleep in lecture halls;
- A recent “gap investigation” by NSFAS that caused students to miss allowance payments this month, without prior notification to student leadership.
Ntloko, who also serves on the university council, emphasized that the SRC’s primary motivation in earlier governance disputes was to end student victimization—a concern that persists regardless of leadership changes. He called for external support to help safeguard students’ rights and urged university structures to prioritize transparency and timely resolution.
“We are trying so hard to regain the integrity of this historic institution,” Ntloko said, expressing hope that the acting Vice-Chancellor’s leadership and an expedited disciplinary hearing would help restore public confidence.
As Fort Hare navigates this multifaceted crisis, student leaders continue to advocate for accountable governance, procedural clarity, and practical solutions to ensure educational access and institutional stability.