Unrest hits South African university ahead of centenary

JOHANNESBURG – Student protesters in South Africa burned tires and vandalized some buildings ahead of centenary celebrations at a university whose alumni include Nelson Mandela.

The South African government says celebrations will proceed at the University of Fort Hare as scheduled Friday, and that some suspects were arrested for the violence Wednesday.

The African New Agency, a South Africa-based outlet, says protesters burned the tent in which the celebrations were supposed to occur.

Media reports say a funding shortfall at the university contributed to tensions.

Recent vandalism has struck schools elsewhere in South Africa. More than 20 schools were burned in the Vuwani area, and authorities blamed protesters for a fire that destroyed a University of Johannesburg auditorium.

Last year, South African university students staged big protests against proposed fee hikes.