University of Fort Hare (UFH) students walked out of the Alice Campus Sports Complex last Friday with their heads held high, marking the successful completion of the final examinations for the 2025 academic year. This is a commendable feat for the 109-year-old institution, considering that just a few weeks ago it was plunged into turmoil by student unrest and arson attacks.
Today, it is evident that the turmoil was no match for a UFH community defined by resilience and an unwavering refusal to give up in the face of adversity.
The final examinations concluded smoothly and on schedule, thanks to a rigorous Institutional Recovery Plan developed by the Management Executive Committee to guide recovery efforts and pave the way for the University’s rebuilding journey.
At the heart of UFH’s recovery was a rapid shift in teaching and assessment, backed by the Vice-Chancellor Prof Sakhela Buhlungu, who rolled up his sleeves and vowed, “We will finish the academic year – we will do it for our students.”
Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Prof Patrick Osode, said witnessing the academic year come to a successful close brings both relief and inspiration. “One feels great relief, and also greatly encouraged and inspired by the realization that we, as an institution, are capable of the systematic, strong, and speedy response that it has taken to protect the 2025 academic year.”
He added that despite the challenges spawned by the unrest and arson, UFH managed to “significantly limit the extent of its disruption.”
Prof Osode highlighted that completing all outstanding teaching and assessments at the time the unrest began, along with providing exam preparation support to students, played a decisive role in keeping the academic year on track. He recalled moments that gave him hope, describing how the speed with which students returned to campus shortly after management’s decision to shut it down was a turning point. “The students’ positive and cooperative attitude in embracing online learning, and the staff’s ability and adaptability in switching to online and blended modes, demonstrated the University community’s commitment to the academic mission.
Deputy Registrar Mr Zwelidumile Mditshwa, who was instrumental in coordinating the operational rollout of the University’s recovery efforts, echoed this sentiment. “We commend the dedication and selfless service of our staff members, who have consistently provided innovative alternatives to ensure that examination processes run smoothly and maintain a high level of integrity despite the challenges encountered,” he said. He noted that cooperation across the University community was exceptional, enabling the academic year to continue with stability and confidence.
Reflecting on the teamwork that defined this period, Mr Mditshwa added: “Every crisis presents an opportunity to rethink and improve business processes. I was encouraged to witness the University community working together to save the academic year, even in the midst of devastation. The collaboration displayed across Faculties, ICT, Protection Services, and the Library was truly commendable.”
Among the students who wrote the final paper on Friday was Asanda Tembe from KwaZulu-Natal, a second-year student in Development Studies. “I can’t believe I am finally going home. I am excited and relieved,” he said.
Bungcwane Bushula from Alice said that despite feeling overwhelmed ahead of the exams, she was able to “hold it down” in the exam room. “Before the protest, I was super prepared for the final exams. When the campus closed, I got demotivated. However, I used that time to prepare some more,” said the Social Sciences student.
It is safe to say the University will close the 2025 academic year not as an institution that barely survived a crisis, but as one that rose above it – stronger, united, and more determined than ever.