The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, has spoken out against the recent incidents of arson and vandalism at the University of Forth Hare – Alice Campus. The destruction caused by the malicious acts included significant damage to the university’s property, specifically the foyer of the Indoor Sports Centre.
Swift Response and Appreciation for Efforts
Despite the unfortunate events, the Minister expressed his appreciation for the swift response of the university staff and students who worked together to contain the raging fire, which prevented the situation from escalating further.
Arrests and Government’s Firm Stance Against Property Destruction
The university management, with the help of law enforcement agencies, identified and arrested twelve suspects involved in the incident. The Minister commended the prompt action, emphasizing the government’s firm stance against property destruction for any reason. He reiterated that such acts of arson, vandalism, and intimidation cannot be associated with legitimate forms of protest and should be condemned unequivocally by all, including students themselves.
Continuation of Academic Activities and Disciplinary Processes
In contrast to the destruction caused, the university’s academic activities have continued without disruption, including mid-year exams. The Minister expressed his delight at this fact and urged the university to ensure that all students involved in the incident undergo the institution’s internal disciplinary processes.
Extra Precautions for Safety Measures
The university management has decided to monitor all examination venues closely and provide additional security measures to ensure the safety of the students and staff while maintaining a conducive environment for academics.
Repair and Restoration Efforts
The university has taken steps to repair the damaged property, demonstrating its resilience and commitment to providing quality education for its students. The Minister welcomed these efforts, acknowledging the importance of restoring normalcy after such a distressing situation.
Resilience of the University Community
The University of Forth Hare’s ability to bounce back from this ordeal and continue with its academic activities is a testament to the resilience of its community. The swift response from the university staff and students, as well as the support from the Minister and law enforcement agencies, has shown that there is no tolerance for such behavior.
Moving Forward with Vigilance
As the university moves forward from this incident, the community must remain vigilant and continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of its students and staff. With the government and law enforcement agencies’ support, the University of Forth Hare can reaffirm its commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of its community.
