UPDATE | Fort Hare places vice-chancellor Buhlungu on precautionary suspension
UPDATE | Fort Hare places vice-chancellor Buhlungu on precautionary suspension
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has officially placed its Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, on precautionary suspension with full pay. This decision, announced on March 31, 2026, follows the conclusion of a forensic investigation into alleged irregularities regarding senior executive appointments at the institution. While the council emphasizes that this is a holding measure and not a disciplinary sanction, the move has sent shockwaves through the South African higher education sector, given Buhlungu's high-profile efforts to combat corruption within the university. The suspension is intended to ensure the integrity of the upcoming disciplinary proceedings and to prevent any potential interference with witnesses or institutional records during the investigation phase.
The University of Fort Hare council confirmed the precautionary suspension of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu effective from Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The suspension is linked to findings from a forensic report regarding the appointment of two executive directors without the required council ratification. During this period, Dr. Nthabi Taole-Mjimba has been appointed as the acting vice-chancellor to maintain institutional stability and operational continuity.
The Origins of the Forensic Investigation
The current crisis at the University of Fort Hare stems from a special council meeting held on March 19, 2026. At this meeting, an independent forensic report was presented, focusing on the recruitment and appointment processes for two critical roles: the Executive Director for Infrastructure and Technology and the Executive Director for People Management and Engagement. The investigation determined that several senior management employees failed to comply with Section 19.1 of the university statute, which mandates that council approval must be obtained for such high-level appointments. The failure to secure this approval is viewed by the council as a significant breach of governance and oversight protocols.
Reasons Cited for the Precautionary Suspension
In a letter signed by Dr. Siyanda Makaula, the chairperson of the UFH council, it was stated that the decision to suspend Professor Buhlungu followed a careful review of his written representations and the forensic report. The council argued that Buhlungu's continued presence in the office could reasonably pose a risk to the investigation. Specifically, there were concerns about potential interference with witnesses or the tampering of institutional documentation. The university’s employee relations policy allows for such measures to protect the governance process when allegations involve senior management decision-making structures.
Professor Buhlungu’s Defense and Counter-Allegations
Reports from insiders and various media platforms suggest a more complex narrative behind the suspension. Sources indicate that Professor Buhlungu was actually the one who initially flagged the appointment irregularities and sought to rectify them once they were discovered. There are claims that the forensic report itself did not find direct wrongdoing on the Vice-Chancellor's part. Supporters of Buhlungu argue that the "knives have been out" for him due to his relentless anti-corruption drive, which has previously led to investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and has made him a target for those benefiting from the institutional "rot."
A History of Corruption and Assassination Attempts
To understand the gravity of this suspension, one must look at Buhlungu's tenure since 2017. He has been at the forefront of a dangerous battle against maladministration and fraud. His efforts led to a proclamation signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa authorizing the SIU to investigate the university. This work has come at a high personal cost; in January 2023, Buhlungu’s bodyguard, Mboneli Vesele, was killed in an assassination attempt intended for the Vice-Chancellor. Another staff member, fleet manager Petrus Roets, was also murdered in what was believed to be a hit related to disciplinary testimonies. For many, Buhlungu represents a reformer under siege by entrenched corrupt interests.
| Key Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspension Date | March 31, 2026 |
| Reason for Action | Irregular executive appointments |
| Acting Leadership | Dr. Nthabi Taole-Mjimba |
| Status of Pay | Suspended with full pay |
Impact on University Operations and Students
The council has moved quickly to reassure the university community that daily operations, including lectures and exams, will not be disrupted. The appointment of Dr. Nthabi Taole-Mjimba, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Partnerships, and Innovation, as the acting head is intended to provide a steady hand. However, the university has a history of volatility. Recent years have seen violent student protests, the torching of buildings, and demands for Buhlungu’s resignation from certain student factions who claimed he failed to address their needs. Balancing institutional stability with the need for accountability remains a major challenge for the acting leadership.
The Role of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU)
The suspension occurs amidst an ongoing and broader investigation by the SIU into academic fraud and procurement irregularities at Fort Hare. Professor Buhlungu previously suggested that unrest on campus was often timed to coincide with the release of SIU findings. There are allegations that 33 high-ranking politicians are implicated in academic fraud at the institution. Buhlungu has maintained that "forces at work" are trying to stop the release of these findings, and some see his suspension as a strategic move by his detractors to derail the anti-corruption momentum he helped build.
Political and Union Reactions
The reaction to the suspension has been polarized. Unions like NEHAWU have previously called for Buhlungu’s removal, accusing him of an autocratic leadership style and collapsing corporate governance. Conversely, political entities like the DA have expressed concern over the "rot" at the university and have historically supported the breakthroughs made in the murder investigations of UFH staff. The Ministry of Higher Education and Training has been involved in monitoring the situation, with previous interventions aiming to facilitate dialogue between management, students, and unions to prevent further destruction of property.
Legal and Procedural Next Steps
As per the suspension letter, Professor Buhlungu is prohibited from entering university premises without prior written approval and must refrain from contacting staff or stakeholders regarding the investigation. He remains obligated to attend a formal disciplinary hearing, which will be chaired by an independent party. His employment contract remains in force during this precautionary period. The outcome of this hearing will be pivotal not only for Buhlungu’s career but also for the future of the University of Fort Hare’s governance reform efforts. If the charges are found to be unsubstantiated, it could lead to a significant legal and political backlash against the current council.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why was Professor Sakhela Buhlungu suspended?
A1: He was placed on precautionary suspension following a forensic report that identified irregularities in the appointment of two executive directors without required council approval.
Q2: Is the suspension a sign of guilt?
A2: No, the council has stated that the suspension is a "holding measure" to protect the integrity of the investigation and does not constitute a disciplinary sanction or a finding of guilt.
Q3: Who is leading the University of Fort Hare now?
A3: Dr. Nthabi Taole-Mjimba has been appointed as the acting vice-chancellor to ensure continuity of operations.
Q4: Will students be affected by this leadership change?
A4: The university administration has assured students and staff that lectures, exams, and support services will continue as normal without disruption.
Q5: What are the allegations against the suspension process itself?
A5: Some reports suggest that Buhlungu himself identified the irregularities and that the suspension might be a retaliatory move by those opposed to his anti-corruption initiatives.
Conclusion
The suspension of Professor Sakhela Buhlungu marks a critical and uncertain chapter for the University of Fort Hare. While the council maintains that it is following necessary governance protocols to address appointment irregularities, the move is overshadowed by Buhlungu’s legacy as a corruption fighter who has faced literal life-and-death stakes. The upcoming disciplinary inquiry will need to be transparent and robust to satisfy a skeptical public and a divided university community. As the institution navigates this leadership vacuum, the primary concern remains the preservation of its academic integrity and the safety of its staff and students amidst a long-standing battle for the soul of one of South Africa's most historic universities.
UPDATE | Fort Hare places vice-chancellor Buhlungu on precautionary suspension
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