Latest News Archive
Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
![]()
Misleading information was posted on a Twitter page today (17 May 2018) regarding a sexual harassment case which the former employee linked as the reason for her dismissal by the University of the Free State (UFS).
The UFS has zero tolerance towards sexual harassment, sexual assault, and the victimisation of individuals. In this particular case – which was reported on social media today – the university confirms that a sexual harassment case was indeed reported by the employee, and the university’s disciplinary process was followed. The complainant accepted the outcome of the disciplinary process without any reservations.
Sometime later, the university discovered that the complainant had falsified material information on her CV, which she used to apply for the position in which she was appointed. The termination of the complainant’s employment is based on fraudulent action and misrepresentation.
As part of its drive to eradicate fraud and corruption, the university initiated disciplinary action according to its policies and procedures.
It is unfortunate that the complainant used her sexual harassment case, which the UFS addressed to her satisfaction, to now justify her fraudulent actions.
Released by:Lacea Loader (Director: Corporate Communication and Marketing)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email:
news@ufs.ac.za |
loaderl@ufs.ac.zaFax: +27 51 444 6393
Renewable energy systems an economical investment for the UFS
2017-06-14
The Qwaqwa Campus Arena equipped with freestanding
roof solar panels.
Photo: iFlair Photography
Renewable energy systems are said to be very expensive to implement initially, but in the long run they provide high economic returns.
With their decision to install renewable energy, the University of the Free State Department of Facilities Planning has now also adopted this innovative technology. They have chosen less capital-intensive solar power-generating options to generate electricity in various buildings and parking areas on all three UFS campuses.
“As per the UFS Energy Management Policy, all designs incorporate efficient, renewable energy sources varying from LED lights to solar power,” says Anton Calitz, Electrical Engineer in University Estates’ Department of Facilities Management.
South Campus taking the lead in renewable energy usage
In December 2016, a total of 26 solar-driven LED street-light poles were installed at the recently built Legae Residence’s parking area and the perimeter security area on the South Campus. This low-maintenance system improves security after dark and is independent of the national power supply, which is an important advantage during power outages. With no requirements for major earthworks and cable setting, operational costs are reduced.
The recently built infrastructure also takes pride in being the first to have a greywater system installed. This system will also be installed at three other residences on the Bloemfontein Campus in 2017. Greywater is made up of bath, shower, and bathroom sink water. The water is reused for toilet flushing, as well as for irrigation purposes.
Various UFS electrical operations to depend on solar power
On the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses, the computer laboratories as well as the Thakaneng Bridge Student Centre and the projected Afromontane Research Centre will be equipped with freestanding roof solar solutions during 2017. These systems are designed to operate independently of the power grid (Eskom).
The systems only operate during sunlight hours when the PV solar panels are heated by the sun, making them suitable for operations such as ventilation fans, water pumps, and small circulation pumps for solar thermal water-heating systems.