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By Johnathan Paoli
Tensions remain high at Walter Sisulu University (WSU), particularly at the Mthatha Campus, as students continue to experience what they describe as systemic neglect, institutional collapse and a failure of justice.
Inside Education reached out to the SA Students Congress’ eastern region deputy chairperson and secretary of the Student Parliament at WSU, Nonkululeko Tyatya, who confirmed that students have not been contacted by the Higher Education and Training Department despite repeated requests for intervention.
“As student leadership, we haven’t been contacted by the department, but we have made submissions to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, and are now waiting on action,” Tyatya said.
At the heart of the unrest is the fatal shooting of student Sisonke Mbolekwa during an April protest, allegedly by residence manager Manelisi Mampane, who was controversially granted R10,000 bail earlier this month.
Amid growing frustration, students, led by Sasco and the Progressive Youth Alliance, are calling for urgent intervention from the department and Parliament to prevent further deterioration of conditions at the institution.
Tyatya confirmed that Sasco has formally requested the department to place WSU under administration, citing collapsing infrastructure, poor student accommodation, mismanagement and the university’s refusal to engage meaningfully with students.
A letter was sent in April to the leadership structures of Sasco, the African National Congress’ Youth League, Young Communist League and the chairperson of the Higher Education Portfolio Committee, outlining a detailed list of grievances and proposals.
It described hostels in disrepair, oppressive campus security policies, poor academic support and political bias by university management.
It also called for an independent investigation into the shooting, reform of residence management and a forensic audit into campus renovation tenders.
Committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie confirmed receiving the students’ submissions.
“We’ve received some emails from students. The committee is planning to engage with the institution in the next term. We haven’t submitted our draft to Parliament as we are awaiting Parliament’s programme first,” said Letsie.
However, the delay in action has left many students disillusioned.
The situation escalated after news that Manelisi Mampane, who was charged with murder, attempted murder and firearm offences was granted bail by the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court.
The decision sparked renewed protests, with students clashing with police and some engaging in acts of vandalism and road blockades.
Videos on social media showed scenes of chaos as police responded with force.
Four students were arrested and now face charges of public violence, property damage and infrastructure destruction.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana acknowledged the distress caused by the bail decision, but defended the police’s response, saying they have no authority over court rulings.
She condemned the vandalism, saying: “Such conduct diverts critical resources and undermines the pursuit of justice.”
The Sasco letter outlines several additional demands, including the launch of a commission of inquiry into the April shooting, an investigation into procurement irregularities and mismanagement, reinforcement of student rights to protest and organise and reinstatement of policies allowing teacher education students to choose nearby schools for practical training.
The student body maintains that if the current leadership is found complicit in institutional failures, disciplinary and legal action must follow.
“The lives of students, the dignity of learning spaces and the future of rural-based universities are at stake. A better WSU is possible. A responsive WSU is necessary. An accountable WSU is non-negotiable,” the letter reads.
As the university and law enforcement brace for possible further demonstrations, all eyes remain on Parliament and the department, whose responses in the coming weeks may determine both the future of the university and the safety and dignity of its students.
INSIDE EDUCATION