By Sabc

Copyright sabcnews

The academic program at Fort Hare University (FHU) in Eastern Cape is set to resume next week. The institution was shut down on Thursday following a violent protest, which resulted in the destruction of university property.

Seven buildings including the administration building, were reportedly torched during the protest.

The students were also demanding the institution’s Vice Chancellor Prof Sakhela Buhlungu’s immediate resignation, accusing him of failing to attend to their needs.

Briefing the media in Pretoria on Saturday, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela says, “Our immense priority is to ensure that the academic program resumes within the next week.”

Manamela says, “In a productive meeting with the University Council yesterday (Friday), I’ve directed the university council and management to put in place all necessary measures to reopen the institution and allow teaching, and learning to continue, including temporary online modalities where required. Students must be able to complete their studies in peace and also in safety. That is a non-negotiable.”

VIDEO | Manamela briefs the media on the situation at UFH:

Reporting by Kholo Tefo.