The University of Fort Hare has dismissed vice-chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, according to a published report on Thursday, 22 October 2026.
The report's details were not available to us. The background below comes from earlier coverage. Buhlungu had been on precautionary suspension since 30 March, resigned in late September, and council had said his employment would end on 23 October. This is a developing story.
What the university announced
A report published on 22 October says Fort Hare has fired Buhlungu. We could not open the report, so we do not yet have the grounds given, the date of the decision, or any statement from the council.
Before the reported dismissal, council chairperson Dr Siyanda Makaula said on 30 September that council "reaffirms its decision to accept the VC's resignation" and that Buhlungu would remain an employee until 23 October 2026. He said disciplinary proceedings would continue to their conclusion under due process. Whether the dismissal came out of that process or replaces it is not yet clear.
Background
Buhlungu has led the university since 2017. He was placed on precautionary suspension on 30 March 2026. According to published coverage, he faced charges of gross misconduct, insubordination and bringing the institution into disrepute, including allegations that he appointed two executive directors without the required consultation and council approval. These are allegations; no final findings had been released.
In April, council members Professor Judy Favish and Kuselwa Marala warned of a "governance crisis" and argued the disciplinary process had been mishandled, saying he had himself flagged the appointment issue and begun corrective steps, according to coverage.
On 28 September Buhlungu resigned with immediate effect, shortly before he was due to start his defence, saying his relationship with council had broken down beyond repair. Council said the resignation did not take effect immediately because of a three-month notice period; he rejected that, writing "My resignation stands". Council then shortened the notice period to 23 October. Dr Nthabi Taole-Mjimba, deputy vice-chancellor for research, has been acting vice-chancellor since the suspension.
Reaction and what happens next
No reaction to the reported dismissal was available to us. Seek comment from Buhlungu, council chairperson Makaula, the university spokesperson, the higher education minister's office and the staff and student unions before publishing.
The university's search for a new vice-chancellor continues; critics quoted in earlier coverage allege the job advertisement was deliberately weakened. The university did not answer questions on that at the time.
