Zuma must come feed us – Fort Hare students

East London — Protesting students at Fort Hare University’s Alice campus say they are pleading with President Jacob Zuma to feed them.

The centenary celebrations turned chaotic as protesting students barricaded the main entrance yesterday.

“We ask the president to talk to the vice chancellor. We want food. We’re hungry. We want our transport allowances. We want our accommodation allowances. Even if they brutalise us, we’re not going to back off,” SRC leader Bulali Rawane said.

SRC president on the Alice campus, Thandikhaya Mathokazi, said Zuma could not celebrate while students were hungry.

“They can’t celebrate while students are hungry outside. The president must come and feed us,” he said.

A scuffle ensued as some students did not want Rawane to speak on their behalf. A strong police presence monitored the students while they sang struggle songs, with some chanting, “we’re hungry, we want food”.

Zuma, as well as Fort Hare alumnus Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, arrived through an alternative entrance for the celebrations.

Zuma is said to be the keynote speaker, while Mugabe will deliver a message of support. — AFP