Rhodes pushes ahead with graduation as student protest tensions flare

Rhodes University says its immediate priority is ensuring its 2026 spring graduation proceeds “with dignity and respect” after police dispersed protesting students outside the graduation venue in Makhanda on Friday.

The university’s spokesperson Olwetu Gwanya told TimesLIVE that the graduation ceremony was proceeding as planned while management remained guided by agreements reached with the Student Representative Council (SRC) earlier this week.

“Our immediate focus today is ensuring that graduation proceeds with dignity and respect appropriate to this important occasion for our students and their families,” said Gwanya.

The comments come after police arrested 13 students outside the 1820 Settlers National Monument where the graduation ceremony was under way. Police said the students, aged between 19 and 23, were arrested for allegedly contravening a court order.

Public order police used stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the group, and no serious injuries were reported.

Students disputed the police account of events, saying they had been sitting peacefully outside the monument before being instructed to leave.

One student, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Things are bad. Thirteen students have been detained, majority female. These were students who were already surrendering by lying on the floor.”

Gwanya said the university’s executive leadership was participating in Friday’s graduation while the institution continued working through the issues raised by students.

Gwanya said the issues raised were not dismissed.

“Further work was required to establish what could be accommodated, how this could be implemented, and the associated financial and operational implications,” she said.

Gwanya said the SRC and university executive had jointly decided that further discussions would take place next week.

The dispute centres on the university’s proposed 2027 student fee payment protocol. Students have raised concerns about the financial burden of the proposed measures, while the university has said growing student debt is placing pressure on its finances.

Gwanya said the university sought the interdict after students blocked campus entrances and essential-services employees were unable to access the campus and residences.

Earlier this week, the university warned that the shutdown threatened services including the preparation and serving of meals, cleaning of residences and provision of water.

Gwanya declined to comment directly on Friday’s arrests, saying questions about police action should be directed to the SAPS.

Police spokesperson Brig Nobuntu Gantana said protesters were given warnings and time to disperse after an operational commander read the high court order barring protest action aimed at disrupting the graduation. Police said officers moved in after the group failed to comply.

Gwanya said despite the tensions, Rhodes is committed to continuing discussions with students.

TimesLIVE