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06 August 2020 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Pixabay
Antonie Beukes says although the university is involved in a number of projects that add to its BBBEE rating, considerable attention is given to initiatives to better the lives of some of its suppliers.

For the past two years, the University of the Free State (UFS) has had one of the best Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) ratings among universities in South Africa. The university recently received confirmation that its Level-4 rating has been approved for another year. 

According to Antonie Beukes, Assistant Director in the UFS Department of Finance, this rating enables the university to compete with the advantage of a 100% procurement level regarding tenders. “It will also help with our third-stream income, and more importantly, this level assures everyone that we are on the right track regarding BBBEE,” says Beukes. 

Opportunity to better the lives of others

The university had to work hard to maintain their Level-4 BBBEE status. Beukes says one of the initiatives they focused on was the development of suppliers and enterprises that are not associated with the UFS. 

“Many people think of BBBEE initiatives as a project where money is paid, and that is where the buck stops. Although this may get you some points, it is important for the university to better the lives of others.”

“We mostly focus on Exempted Micro Enterprises (EMEs) and Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs), because they are the small, start-up companies that need help to be sustainable. Even though assistance can take various forms, such as spending time with suppliers and offering services at a lower cost or free of charge, the university gives considerable attention to providing training to these service providers,” says Beukes.

Always strive for a better rating

The UFS Department of Finance strives to achieve a better rating each year. “The aim for next year will obviously be to be rated as a Level 3 but maintaining the Level 4 will be a big achievement.”

Beukes, however, points out that one needs to be realistic and must keep track of what is going on in the economy, as well as the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He continues: “Strict new rules regarding BBBEE scoring also came into play last year and we see that most businesses are rating lower scores (higher levels), which directly impact the UFS.”

News Archive

UFS gives clarity on disciplinary action against students
2008-03-04

There seems to be some uncertainty about the course of the internal disciplinary steps the University of the Free State (UFS) is now taking against two current students in connection with the production of an extremely offensive and racist video which came to light last week.

Here is an explanation of the disciplinary steps:

The university’s legal representatives yesterday informed the student’s legal representatives that they are in the process of compiling a charge sheet against the two students. This was done in writing and no meetings took place between the lawyers.

The university’s legal representatives are in the process of compiling a charge sheet. When this charge sheet is finalised, it will be made available to the students’ legal representatives.

The Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof. Frederick Fourie, is in the process of appointing a disciplinary committee.

Once the charge sheet has reached the students’ legal representatives, a date for the hearing will be arranged.

The criminal charges against the four students will be dealt with by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Enquiries can also be directed to:

Lacea Loader                                         Mangaliso Radebe
Tel: 051 401 2584                                 Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 083 645 2454                                Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za                 E-mail: radebemt.stg@ufs.ac.za  

Media Release
Issued by: Mr Anton Fisher
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: 051 401 3422
Cell: 072 207 8334
E-mail: fishera.stg@ufs.ac.za  
4 March 2008

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