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UJ exams resume after fee protests disrupt Auckland Park campus

Published

Protesters at the University of Johannesburg pulled students out of examination venues on Monday over proposed fee increases for 2027. The university later said classes and examinations were resuming as normal, after some exams were cancelled.

Protesters called for exams to be stopped at the Auckland Park campus. Videos appeared to show damage to university property. A source said some examinations had to be cancelled when protesters interrupted them.

The university said in a statement that the disruptions at its Auckland Park Kingsway campus were swiftly addressed and resolved. It said images and videos on social media do not reflect the current situation on campus.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) distanced itself from the protests. Its Ward 87 structure said the protesters hijacked the party's identity for a destructive agenda. The party said individuals wearing its regalia did not represent it.

The EFF also claimed the disruptions were a coordinated attempt to sabotage it ahead of the local government elections.

Key facts

Who
University of Johannesburg (university whose campus was disrupted; issued statement saying academic…); Economic Freedom Fighters (political party that distanced itself from the protests, saying individuals…)
What
UJ said in a statement that disruptions at its Auckland Park Kingsway campus were swiftly addressed and resolved, and classes and examinations are resuming as normal. Earlier protests had disrupted and led to the cancellation of some exams.
When
26 October 2026
Where
Auckland Park, Johannesburg
Status
Reported

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