UFH Postgraduate Student Association: PGSA 2024/25

17/08/2025

Statement by the UFH Postgraduate Student Association: PGSA on the brutal killing of Mr. Anganathi Gwengu

The University of Fort Hare Postgraduate Student Association (PGSA) is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic and brutal killing of one of our own, Mr. Anganathi Gwengu, a Master’s student in the Department of Animal and Pasture Science under the Faculty of Science and Agriculture.

Mr. Gwengu, who was visiting friends in Dimbaza, tragically fell victim to a cruel act of mob justice after being robbed and stripped of his belongings. In his vulnerable state, seeking help, he was instead misidentified, assaulted, and subjected to unimaginable brutality which ultimately claimed his life, as reported.

This barbaric and inhumane act not only robs his family and friends of a humble and respectful young man, but also robs the UFH and the broader academic community of a bright scholar whose future was full of promise.

As the PGSA, we condemn in the strongest possible terms this heartless act of violence. We cannot allow a culture of mob justice to thrive in our society, where innocent lives are taken without due process, fairness, or humanity.

We send our deepest condolences to the Gwengu family, his friends, classmates, and lecturers who are mourning this profound loss. No words can truly ease the pain, but we stand firmly with them in this most difficult time.

As PGSA, we are in close contact with the Science & Agriculture: Faculty Council 2024/25 and working with the Faculty Dean to ensure that we stand beside the family through this devastating period.

We further call on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to act with urgency, ensuring that those responsible for this barbaric crime are held fully accountable. Justice must not be delayed.



Issued by:
University of Fort Hare Postgraduate Student Association (PGSA)

For enquiries:

Mkestu Mala Lona
PGSA Secretary General
073 161 2864
[email protected]

Regards:

Mandilakhe Mzobotshe
PGSA Chairperson
076 787 9955
pgsaan

04/07/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From: UFH SRC 2024/25
To: All students
Subject: UPDATE ON EXAM RESULTS & ITS SYSTEM

Date: 04 July 2025

Greetings to all University of Fort Hare students,

In light of our earlier update regarding the release of exam results, the UFH SRC wishes to provide the following official progress report:

We can confirm that the Exams Department uploaded all students’ results on ITS today in the afternoon. The SRC confirmed this information from by both the Office of the Deputy Registrar: Academic Administration and the Exams Department Manager.

However, after the results were upload an unexpected technical issue occurred, resulting in the ITS system going offline and becoming inaccessible to students. It is important to note that this issue was beyond the control of the Exams Department, and was immediately escalated to the ICT Department, which later released an official communication confirming the outage and ongoing repair efforts.

In response, the as the SRC we made urgent follow-ups to ensure that this issue is fixed and put urgency on the side of ICT Department. We have been making call to the ICT Department and the latest update we got is that the ICT is currently on top of fixing this ITS issue. It has been confirmed that student results have indeed been uploaded successfully, the only issue is with the ITS system accessibility, which is currently being attended to as we speak.

We will continue to keep students updated as developments unfold. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by this ICT-related matter and assure you that your SRC remains on the ground and actively engaged in ensuring this issue is resolved without further delay.

For any further queries or assistance, you may contact:

Magwaxaza Asonele
Alice SRC Academic Affairs Officer
[email protected]

Fhatuwani Nemakungwi
East London Academic Affairs Officer
[email protected]

Kind regards,

Aphelele Lwazi Khalakahla
SRC President
[email protected]
073 421 0057

Odwa Msaro
SRC Secretary-General
[email protected]
073 117-8033

26/05/2025

OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE TURNITIN ACCESS FOR POSTGRADUATE.

Greetings to all postgraduate students,

We would like to provide you with an important update regarding access to the Turnitin platform.

Following several concerns raised about the inability to utilize Turnitin, we contacted the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) for clarity. The TLC has confirmed that Turnitin is available to all registered Master’s and PhD students. However, access to the platform is managed through a supervisor-led process, and the standard procedure is as follows:

Supervisors are issued Turnitin accounts by the TLC.

Supervisors are responsible for creating Turnitin class links.

Supervisors then add their students to these classes.

If a supervisor is unavailable or unable to assist, the programme coordinator may also create a Turnitin class link for the student.

In response to the ongoing challenges experienced by students in gaining access through their supervisors, we have proposed a support session in collaboration with the programme coordinator. The aim of this session is to promote the efficient and smooth use of Turnitin by postgraduate students.

During the online support session, students will be:

Guided on how to set up a Turnitin profile.

Given a demonstration on how to submit documents and interpret similarity reports.

Provided with a platform to ask questions and seek clarity on Turnitin access procedures.

We will communicate the date and details of the session soon. We urge all postgraduate students experiencing difficulties with Turnitin to attend this session for assistance.

Kind regards,
PGSA Structure

13/05/2025

The University of Fort Hare Department of Postgraduate studies and Postdoctoral Fellowship is having a roadshow. Kindly come in numbers to see the services the Deparment offer for postgraduate students . All postgraduate students are invited , come explore funding opportunities and other services.

This is a preparation for the POSTGRADUATE ORIENTATION that will be held on the 20th of this month.

12/05/2025

Congratulations to our UFH Postgraduate Student Association: PGSA 2024/25 Chairperson & Secretary General for obtaining their qualifications!🙌🎓

28/04/2025

We encourage all postgraduate that need their certificates to apply for this debt clearance, including Masters & PhD students struggling to register. PGSA will work closely with the UFH SRC 2024/25 to make sure postgraduate students benefit.

23/04/2025

❗️We request all University of Fort Hare postgraduate students to kindly join this group for all updates, information, funding opportunities like NRF and other registration issues related to postgraduate students. PGCE, Honours, Master’s & PhD students.❗️

https://chat.whatsapp.com/HCGQ1UkBDGDFpDeUXcDd0q

23/04/2025

URGENT NOTICE TO ALL UFH UNREGISTERED POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS (Masters & PhD’s only)

Date: 23rd April 2025

Greetings to all UFH postgraduate students.

The UFH PGSA urgently calls on all Master’s (masters by research) and PhD students who have not registered due to financial blockage due to their debts exceeding the R50,000 threshold to submit their details via the Google Form linked below.

We are compiling a database to determine the actual number of affected students interested to register and the exact amounts owed. This information is critical in preparing a formal proposal to the MEC, through the Institutional SRC, to advocate for adjustments in financial concessions, additional funding support, and policy interventions.

Deadline: Friday, 25th April at 11:00 AM
No submissions will be accepted after this deadline.

Google Form Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9h2uzW0jvBZWSF4Mg0fuWZVdBisbeFq8yZAOma2AyRNqZAA/viewform?usp=header

Let’s work together to ensure no willing student is left behind due to financial barriers.

For enquiries:

Mkestu Mzala Lona
PGSA Secretary General
073 161 2864
[email protected]

Regards:

Mandilakhe Mzobotshe
PGSA Chairperson
076 787 9955
[email protected]

This form should be filled by only postgraduate masters and PhD students that have not registered, mainly because of being blocked due to Finance. NB: Masters by research

16/04/2025

[IN PICTURES]

Date: 16th April 2025

UFH Postgraduate Student Association: PGSA 2024/25 attendance at Master of Arts Exhibition by Mr Avuzwa Noko

Today, the Postgraduate Students Association (PGSA) had the honour of attending the Master of Arts Exhibition by Mr Avuzwa Noko, a Master’s student in the University of Fort Hare Department of Fine Arts. The exhibition, held in East London, forms part of his mini dissertation submission and showcased a powerful visual exploration titled “A Visual Journey through Forgotten Railway Photography.”

The Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities was well-represented, including the Deputy Dean, Interim HOD of Visual & Performing Arts Mr T Mama, Dr Potelwa (former HOD), and other faculty staff. PGSA was represented by Mr Lona Mketsu (Secretary General) and Ms C Klassie (newly co-opted Finance Governor).

The SRC also showed strong support, with the EL Campus SRC Treasurer and Alice Campus SRC Premier delivering a compelling message of support. We further acknowledge and appreciate the students who travelled from the Alice Campus to support the exhibition.

Mr Noko’s exhibition featured powerful photographic work and installations that call for the revival of the Eastern Cape’s abandoned railway stations. His message was clear: “Photography is not just a medium; it is a tool to provoke thought, send messages and initiate dialogue.”

We commend Mr Noko for using art as a bridge between memory, history, and the future.

Issued by:

Postgraduate Student Association (PGSA)

For enquiries:

Mkestu Mzala Lona
PGSA Secretary General
073 161 2864
[email protected]

Regards:

Mandilakhe Mzobotshe
PGSA Chairperson
076 787 9955

31/03/2025

📢GOFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE EXTENSION OF POSTGRADUATE REGISTRATION📢

Greetings to all Postgraduate Students,

The Postgraduate Students’ Association (PGSA) acknowledges the ongoing challenges faced by many postgraduate students regarding registration for the 2025 academic year. It has come to our attention that a significant number of students remain unregistered due to misinterpretation of their concessions, as well as financial constraints linked to historical debt. This situation has left many students, including those with confirmed sponsorships, outside the university system and unable to continue with their studies.

As PGSA, we have engaged with the University Management to address these concerns and have formally proposed an extension of the postgraduate registration deadline until 30 April 2025. This extension aims to ensure that all eligible students, particularly those affected by financial exclusions, are granted the opportunity to finalize their registration and continue their academic journey.

We urge all affected students to remain patient while we await the university’s formal response. We further call on the institution to prioritize a fair and inclusive approach in resolving these registration challenges. We remain committed to advocating for postgraduate students’ rights and academic success.

For any queries or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact PGSA structure
[email protected]

31/03/2025

📢 HAPPENING NOW: UFH PGSA PRESENTATION ON POSTGRADUATE MATTERS 📢

Date: 31st March 2025

The UFH Postgraduate Student Association (PGSA) is currently delivering its presentation on key postgraduate matters, challenges, and possible solutions at the Postgraduate Strategic Planning Session hosted by the UFH Postgraduate Office.

In attendance are the PGSA Chairperson, PGSA Secretary General, and other PGSA members, alongside the SRC President,SG and academic officer engaging in critical discussions to enhance the postgraduate experience at UFH.

Stay tuned for updates on the outcomes of this important session!

Issued by:

Postgraduate Student Association (PGSA)

For enquiries:

Mkestu Mzala Lona
PGSA Secretary General
073 161 2864
[email protected]

Regards:

Mandilakhe Mzobotshe
PGSA Chairperson
076 787 9955