There has been an outpouring of rage after black protesters were attacked by spectators and players at a rugby game a varsity game at the University of Free State (UFS) on Monday night.
The scuffle broke out when protesters interrupted a game between UFS and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), demanding an end to outsourced employment of cleaners at the institution. Multiple videos have circulated on social media showing how the brawl played out.
I can’t find the words. That video gave me the chills and left me dumbfounded. #ufs #enoughisenough
— Katlego (@Kat_esque) February 23, 2016
#UFS says they allowed rugby game to continue on the field as tensions had been addressed but clashes were taking place elesewhere on campus
— Cathy Mohlahlana (@CathyMohlahlana) February 23, 2016
Since early 2015 South Africa’s university students and workers have set in motion the processes needed for deep and enduring social change.
— Amandla! (@AmandlaMobi) February 22, 2016
Scenes on the #UFS Bloemfontein campus. pic.twitter.com/W3EYkYJEqR
— OFM News (@OFMNews9497) February 23, 2016
According to witnesses, the violence moved from the field to the residences where black students said they were targeted by white students and the police. Students said white students threw rocks at the protesting students and when the protesters retaliated, police reacted by shooting rubber bullets at them.
#UFS – Statement on student victimisation released by SRC the day before rugby match clash http://t.co/Z8hPRrDA8S pic.twitter.com/8DcQlV79bE
— The Daily VOX (@thedailyvox) February 23, 2016
The UFS said in a statement on Tuesday that classes would be canceled for two days. The university also announced an investigation into the incident.
Violence at #UFS. What should Jonathan Jansen do?
— The Daily VOX (@thedailyvox) February 22, 2016