The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has shut down some wild claims making waves online, calling them both “inflammatory” and “misleading.” It all started when digital content creator Kommander Josh III accused UFH of being “taken over” by foreigners—specifically Zimbabweans and Nigerians—leaving South African citizens out in the cold, especially in the Faculty of Education.
Also Read
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika Faces Impeachment Over U.S. Citizenship.
UFH’s spokesperson JP Roodt wasn’t having it. He explained that 81% of the university’s academic staff are proudly South African, while only 19% are international. So, if you’re picturing the university as an African Union meeting, think again!
Roodt added that the post from May 4 relied on outdated and distorted info clearly meant to stir up trouble. Of the 35 names tossed into the online rumor mill, 12 don’t even exist in the university’s records, and 14 have long since retired or resigned. Basically, it’s a list full of ghosts.
He didn’t stop there. Roodt explained that hiring international academics isn’t just legal—it’s standard practice globally. Emerging markets, like South Africa, aim for international academic staff to make up 10–15% of their teams. UFH is on track to hit that sweet spot, with a major organizational redesign underway. In 2024, the university advertised 87 new academic positions and filled 37 spots—all with South African scholars. For 2025, they’re working on filling another 59 roles, keeping their international representation at a balanced 15%.
The university also tackled the bizarre claim that international staff bring undocumented family members to South Africa. Roodt made it clear: “That’s just nonsense. All our hires follow the strictest labor laws, and no one’s sneaking their cousins across the border.”
So, there you have it. The University of Fort Hare isn’t “taken over” by anyone. Instead, it’s a balanced, law-abiding institution working hard to stay globally competitive—while dodging some pretty wild conspiracy theories along the way.
