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16 August 2018

A public participation process regarding the review of the MT Steyn statue’s position in front of the Main Building on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) is currently underway.
 
The process specifically addresses the removal, relocation, reinterpretation, and retaining of the statue and is part of the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) required by the Free State Provincial Heritage Resource Authority (FSPHRA).
 
The review process includes opportunities for members of the university community and the public to make oral submissions regarding the position of the statue at the following venues:
 
South Campus:

22 August 2018
14:00 to 16:00
Ukubizana Hall

Bloemfontein Campus:

23 August 2018
11:00 to 13:00
18:00 to 20:00
Centenary Complex
            
Qwaqwa Campus:

29 August 2018
11:00 to 13:00
Rolihlahla Mandela Hall

More information about the HIA is available here.
 
Comments about the position of the statue can be sent to news@ufs.ac.za
 
The public participation process will end on 9 September 2018.

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News Archive

Tactile paving assists visually impaired
2017-10-28

Description: ' 000 Blind Tactile Paving Tags: Blind Tactile Paving

Tactile paving is being installed at pedestrian crossings to assist
visually-impaired persons at the UFS.
Photo: Supplied

Crossing roads and accessing buildings has always been a challenge for people with visual impairments. They had to rely on peripheral sounds, such as car brakes and cues. However, after the installation of tactile paving – paving with special textures assisting the visually impaired to feel the difference between walking around on campus and crossing the road, this will no longer be a problem at the University of the Free State (UFS).

This is one of several developments that University Estates’ Department of Facilities Planning has in the pipeline for 2017 in order to ensure that the university attains its key component in providing a high-quality student experience.

Maureen Khati, Assistant Director of Project Management: Facilities Planning, says, “We saw the need to install these paving blocks in strategic spaces, as identified by the Center for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS).” She says these blocks will make it easier for people with visual impairments.

Special features designed to aid visually-impaired persons

These installations have special features that will assist those students and employees with limited vision or blindness to navigate through pedestrian crossings and the different campus buildings. The university chose a unique design of tactile paving that focuses on warning and directing those with visual impairments.

UFS eager to improve accessibility and mobility

The university, and all the stakeholders involved in this initiative, are delighted to be embarking on this project and are looking forward to its successful execution. To improve accessibility and mobility, more accessible entrances and exits will be built, effective signage will be installed inside and outside buildings, but the most important aspect is that dedicated seating space will be made available in lecture rooms for special-needs students.

Khati says, “More focus has been put on installing ramps in all buildings to make them more accessible for people with disabilities, as well as other needs required to enhance accessibility at the UFS.”

For the UFS, this initiative is one of many to come, as extensive research is being done and priorities are implemented accordingly.

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