Students at Fort Hare University went on the rampage Wednesday night, burning tyres and torching a tent that will be used for Friday's main centenary celebrations.
This week students protested at both Alice and East London campuses where a list of grievances was presented to unviversity management.
Sonwabiso Mamnkeli, from Fort Hare's East London SRC, says included in their demands are that charges be dropped against the students who were arrested during last year's fees must fall campaign.
He says other grievances relate to the lack of accommodation and also long-standing issue of student debt and financial aid.
Mamnkeli says there's "nothing for them to celebrate."
Several students were reportedly arrested.
Police Minister Nathi Nhleko is expected to address the media Thursday on the situation at Fort Hare ahead of the arrival of President Jacob Zuma and Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe for the celebrations.
Meanwhile, Fort Hare Vice Chancellor Dr Mvuyo Tom said on Wednesday that it was hoped that the student protets would not disrupt Friday's activities.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Dr Tom said "it was a deliberate call to host the University's Centenary celebrations in May, as it coincides with Africa month.Tom was addressing the media at the University's East London Campus on Wednesday on preparations for the main celebrations on Friday.
He said Fort Hare is an African University and has produced most African leaders as well as international students."As you have seen the history of this University, the leadership that came from this University going into Africa, and even currently we have young students, men and woman, coming from all over the continent.
