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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
Tactile paving assists visually impaired
2017-10-28
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.