Developing story: damage, arrests and the number of cancelled exams at the University of Johannesburg were unconfirmed at the time of writing.

Protests over proposed fee increases for 2027 disrupted exams at the University of Johannesburg's Auckland Park campus on Monday, with protesters reportedly pulling students out of exam venues and demanding that exams be stopped.

UJ says the disruptions were "swiftly addressed and resolved" and that classes and exams have resumed. Accounts differ: a source told reporters that some exams were cancelled and that protests continued into the afternoon.

What happened on campus

Reports say protesters pulled students out of exam venues and that some exams were cancelled. Social media videos appear to show damage to university property, including a miniature campus model being destroyed and smoke rising from a lecture-hall block. Neither UJ nor the police had confirmed how widespread the damage was.

Unconfirmed reports from community policing forums claim arrests were made. UJ says images and videos circulating online do not reflect the current situation on campus, and has not said what caused the disruption.

The EFF and the election backdrop

The Economic Freedom Fighters distanced the party from the protests. Its Ward 87 structure in Johannesburg said people wearing red berets and T-shirts were "not members in good standing". EFF ward councillor candidate Gift Netshivhazulu called the protests "a coordinated attempt to decampaign and sabotage the EFF" ahead of the 4 November local government elections. The party says its headquarters ordered that no protests be held during the election period.

Other reports complicate that picture. One quotes a protest leader as saying "As the EFF, we are here to tell you...", and notes a post showing a protester in red being restrained by security. We have not verified either account.

Earlier fee disputes

Students reportedly protested possible fee increases for 2027. In June, students protested extra accommodation charges imposed on some NSFAS-funded students living in private off-campus residences.

What we do not yet know

  • The size of the proposed 2027 fee increase, and whether UJ has formally proposed one; reports describe it only as proposed or possible.
  • How many exams were cancelled and how they will be rewritten.
  • The cost of the damage, whether anyone was arrested or injured, and who the protesters were.
  • Whether the protests continued after UJ said normal operations had resumed.

Quotes in this article come from published coverage, not from the original statements.