Understanding the Precautionary Suspension at University of Fort Hare
The University of Fort Hare (UFH), one of South Africa's oldest and most storied institutions of higher learning, has taken a significant step in its ongoing governance reforms by placing its Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, on precautionary suspension. Announced on March 31, 2026, this move comes in the wake of a forensic investigation that uncovered procedural lapses in senior executive appointments. While the suspension is with full pay and serves as an interim measure pending a full disciplinary process, it underscores the university's commitment to upholding strict accountability standards amid a turbulent recent history.
UFH's council, chaired by Dr Siyanda Makaula, unanimously resolved to implement the suspension following a detailed review of the investigation's findings. The decision was communicated directly to the university community, emphasizing that it does not imply guilt but is necessary to maintain institutional stability. Dr Nthabiseng Taole-Mjimba, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Partnerships, and Innovation, has been appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor to ensure seamless operations continue, particularly as the academic year progresses.
Key Findings from the Forensic Investigation
The forensic probe, initiated earlier in 2026, zeroed in on the appointments of two executive directors, specifically highlighting the role of the Executive Director for People Management and Engagement. Investigators determined that four senior management members, including Professor Buhlungu, did not adhere to Section 19.1 of the UFH statute. This section mandates explicit council approval for such high-level hires, a procedural safeguard designed to prevent undue influence and ensure transparency in leadership recruitment.
According to the report, shared with the council on March 20, the irregularities stemmed from a failure to secure this approval prior to finalizing the appointments. The council afforded those implicated, including the Vice-Chancellor, the opportunity to submit representations, which were duly considered before the suspension decision. University spokesperson JP Roodt reiterated that the institution remains steadfast in its governance responsibilities, signaling a proactive stance against potential vulnerabilities.
This investigation is part of broader efforts at UFH to rectify longstanding administrative weaknesses, building on previous audits and probes that have exposed systemic issues in procurement, staffing, and financial oversight.
Parliament's Strong Endorsement of the Council's Action
Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has voiced unequivocal support for UFH's precautionary suspension. Chairperson Mr Tebogo Letsie described the council's action as "decisive" and a clear demonstration of consequence management "without fear or favour." In a formal statement, he expressed hope that the disciplinary process would conclude speedily, allowing the university to refocus on its core mandate of teaching and learning.
Letsie urged the entire UFH community—students, staff, and management—to unite behind Acting Vice-Chancellor Taole-Mjimba and prioritize student success. He acknowledged the institution's recent upheavals, noting that collective stakeholder effort is essential to prevent further disruptions. For the full parliamentary statement, visit the Parliament of South Africa website.
This backing from parliament reinforces the legitimacy of UFH's internal processes and highlights national oversight in addressing higher education governance lapses.
Professor Buhlungu's Tenure and Anti-Corruption Drive
Appointed Vice-Chancellor in February 2017 and reappointed for a second term in November 2021, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu brought a wealth of academic expertise to UFH. A distinguished sociologist with prior roles at the University of Cape Town (UCT) as Dean of Humanities and at the University of the Witwatersrand, Buhlungu inherited an institution plagued by deep-rooted corruption scandals.
His leadership focused on 'uncapturing' UFH from organized crime networks, including fake qualifications rackets involving politicians and financial mismanagement. These reforms triggered backlash: staff assassinations, attempts on his life, and violent student protests in October 2025 that caused R300-500 million in infrastructure damage through arson. Despite challenges, Buhlungu improved audit outcomes, expanded research output, and stabilized finances.
Insiders claim the current suspension arises from Buhlungu self-reporting the appointment irregularity, with the forensic report allegedly clearing him of intentional wrongdoing. A poignant letter from his wife to President Cyril Ramaphosa details the family's ordeal—medical crises, security threats to children, and millions in legal costs—stemming from these battles. Detailed accounts appear in University World News.
A Troubled Legacy: UFH's Governance History
Founded in 1916, UFH holds immense historical significance as the alma mater of Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and countless liberation leaders. Yet, it has been synonymous with governance crises. Pre-Buhlungu eras saw litanies of scandals: fraudulent degrees awarded to politicians, assassinations of senior officials (including a registrar and CFO), and infiltration by Eastern Cape political syndicates.
Violent protests in 2025, described by Buhlungu as politically orchestrated, led to campus shutdowns and parliamentary recommendations for an independent assessor. Civil society groups rallied to protect the institution from criminal destabilization. More on UFH's challenges can be found in News24's coverage.
These events illustrate a pattern where reform efforts clash with entrenched interests, affecting academic delivery and reputation.
Immediate Impacts on Students, Staff, and Operations
Students at UFH, numbering over 15,000 across Alice, East London, and Bhisho campuses, face uncertainty but assurances of continuity. The acting leadership prioritizes exam schedules and registration for 2026. Staff morale is mixed: 435 academics previously defended Buhlungu, while some SRC elements demanded his ouster over perceived authoritarianism.
- Academic disruptions minimized through acting VC oversight.
- Financial stability maintained, with improved audits under Buhlungu.
- Security enhancements post-2025 violence.
- Research partnerships sustained, leveraging Taole-Mjimba's expertise.
Broader ripple effects include potential delays in strategic initiatives like infrastructure rebuilds from arson damage.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Reactions
Universities South Africa (USAf) stresses due process, presumption of innocence, and adherence to the Higher Education Act. Student unions like SAUS welcome the suspension, viewing it as accountability. Critics, including former VCs, decry it as victimization of a reformer. Parliament's endorsement balances reform with procedural justice.
| Stakeholder | Position |
|---|---|
| Parliament Committee | Full support for suspension |
| UFH Academics (group) | Defend Buhlungu |
| Students/SRC | Mixed; some demand resignation |
| USAf | Urge fair process |
Governance Challenges Across South African Universities
UFH's saga mirrors wider issues in South African higher education. Similar suspensions include Mangosuthu University of Technology's VC in 2025 over security hires, and calls at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Corruption, political interference, and 'toxic' leadership plague many, per expert panels.
National stats: Over 20 probes into public universities since 2020, per DHET reports. Solutions involve strengthened council oversight, independent assessors, and ethics training.
Photo by Clinton Chiloane on Unsplash
Path Forward: Reforms and Recovery Outlook
A swift disciplinary resolution could restore stability, with Acting VC Taole-Mjimba steering towards Buhlungu's 2026 retirement vision. Key priorities: finalizing infrastructure repairs, boosting enrollment (recent upticks), and enhancing research rankings.
- Implement statute compliance training.
- Engage stakeholders via town halls.
- Leverage parliamentary oversight.
- Focus on student success metrics.
UFH's resilience, rooted in its legacy, positions it for revival, exemplifying accountable higher education leadership in South Africa.
