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East London — The South African government yesterday said that centenary celebrations at the University of Fort Hare will continue as planned.
GCIS spokesperson Donald Liphoko, said that the presence of security agencies will ensure that the event goes ahead as planned.
“Security agencies are on the ground at Fort Hare to ensure that the 100 year centenary celebrations are held in a safe and secure environment,” Liphoko said in a statement.
He said that the government condemned the violent protests and destruction of property.
“In response to yesterday’s unfortunate protest actions, a number of suspects have been arrested. The South African Police Service [SAPS] and the National Prosecuting Authority will continue to update on further arrests and prosecution of the suspects.”
Wednesday evening saw protesting Fort Hare students set fires on the Alice campus, only two days before the university’s Centenary Celebrations are due to take place today.
The students claimed that university management had not met all of their demands.
Earlier yesterday, News24 reported that the university’s Vice-Chancellor Dr Mvuyo Tom said agreements had been reached after a three-hour meeting with the SRC on Wednesday.
“We agreed on all of the issues and also agreed on the process that needs to [take place] with regards to certain points raised,” Tom said.
He added that the students started the fires before receiving the report from the meeting. — Sapa
derick.khumalo