11 May 2026
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Story Lunga Luthuli
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Photo Siqhamo Hlubi Jama
Muzomuhle Mhlongo, President of the National Association for Student Development Professionals, delivers the keynote address at the launch of the Student Kgotla Big Debate on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.
The University of the Free State (UFS) officially launched the Student Kgotla Big Debate on Thursday 7 May, creating a dedicated platform for meaningful dialogue on student and broader societal issues. Hosted by the Student Governance Office within the
Division of Student Affairs, Arts and Culture, the launch took place at the Albert Wessels Auditorium on the Bloemfontein Campus.
The Student Kgotla Big Debate will be hosted quarterly and aims to encourage open engagement between students and university stakeholders on matters affecting student life and society at large. The inaugural discussion focused on the theme Redefining Student Activism Post Fees Must Fall Movement, reflecting on the evolving role of student activism in shaping higher education and society.
Rethinking student activism
Mhlongo commended the UFS for creating a platform that encourages reflection on the meaning and future of student activism.
“It is something we must appreciate,” said Mhlongo. “Following the incidents that transpired during the Fees Must Fall movement, higher education institutions started ‘building walls’ to protect themselves from experiencing similar incidents again.”
Reflecting on the current state of student activism, Mhlongo said it has historically been associated with “mass protest, agitation, and mobilisation”.
“Student activism has shifted to a period where critical engagement becomes the pillar,” he said. “It is a period that requires redefinition, rethinking, and critical reflection on what activism is, and a period requiring students to reflect on how things should happen.”
Creating inclusive spaces for dialogue
The launch of the Student Kgotla forms part of the university’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces where students can actively participate in critical conversations, exchange ideas, and contribute towards finding solutions to contemporary challenges.
Through initiatives such as the Kgotla, the UFS continues to empower students to become thoughtful and engaged citizens who will contribute to shaping a better future.
Dzulani Munzhelele, Manager of Student Government Office on the Bloemfontein Campus, said the establishment of the Student Kgotla Big Debate arose from a “need to encourage student participation through debates and establish a tradition of open discussion with meaningful outcomes”.
“The platform aims to revive student activism and promote critical engagement among students on key economic and social issues affecting both the student community and South Africa at large,” said Munzhelele.
Advancing responsible societal futures
Aligned with the university’s vision of advancing with purpose in shaping Responsible Societal Futures, the platform seeks to develop student leaders who are socially conscious, collaborative, and equipped to influence positive change within their communities and beyond.
“It is significant for the university to focus on graduate attributes and producing young leaders who will make a positive impact in their communities and society at large,” concluded Munzhelele.