University of Fort Hare rugby players were forced to spend a freezing Thursday night on the streets of Centurion after being evicted from their booked hotel.
This came after the students raised concerns about unpaid travel allowances allegedly owed to them, sparking a dispute that left them without shelter.
Speaking to Sunday World on Friday, Aphelele Khalakahla, who is the Student Representative Council (SRC) president at the institution, said they received a complaint from the players on Thursday.
“We received a complaint last night that there were outstanding bills from the side of the institution, which resulted in them being evicted from the hotel,” said Khalakahla.
“These are players [students] who travelled to represent the institution; that did not sit well with us.”
Students’ safety at risk
He added that they have raised other issues with the institution’s leadership and are waiting for a response.
“From what we have heard, it was an instruction from the university personnel to cancel their accommodation for them to be kicked out.”
Khalakahla stated that the students’ safety was at risk.
“They were supposed to play their final game today [Friday]; however, they have taken a decision not to play anymore, and we support them on that. We cannot allow students to be left stranded at the side of the road.
“The safety of students was not considered, and whoever was responsible for the incident must take accountability. We have written to the management, and we are waiting for a response.”
SRC blames acting dean
Sunday World understands that a dean from Unisa provided the students with food on Friday morning after they did not have breakfast.
“We caution against appointing individuals over the age of 65 to critical positions concerning student experience.
“The current acting dean has once again demonstrated a lack of responsiveness, and we believe it is time for the dean to vacate the post,” said Khalakahla.
Sunday World attempted to contact the institution but received no response. The response would be included in the story once received.
