In Conversation With Aphelele Khalakahla, Suspended SRC President at University of Fort Hare

University of Fort Hare students are demanding the retirement of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu now that he has turned 65 years old, saying he has reached the institution’s retirement age. The call came on his birthday when students held a protest at the Alice campus, threatening to shut down the university if their demands were not met.
Buhlungu was first appointed VC in 2017 and confirmed for a second term in 2021. Students say his second term was extended unlawfully, claiming there was no proper consultation or communication about the extension, especially given that he has reached the age where retirement is expected.