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Preliminary finding indicates fire on UFS Qwaqwa Campus caused by arson

05 April 2022 | Story Lacea Loader

The preliminary finding of the urgent investigation into the fire on the Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) on the evening of Monday 4 April 2022, indicates that the two buildings were intentionally set alight. This was established by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the university’s Protection Services this morning.

Since the outbreak of the fire, one person – who is a registered student – has been arrested by SAPS, and a process is underway to identify more suspects. The UFS will institute the necessary disciplinary action against suspects who are registered students. Similarly, criminal charges will also be instituted.

The buildings, which housed the clinic and a computer laboratory, were almost completely destroyed, with damage to both buildings estimated at R35 million.

The university management condemns the destructive behaviour of the students and condemns criminal behaviour such as this in the strongest terms. “The Qwaqwa Campus, as well as the entire university community, are shocked by this devastating and irresponsible act – especially after the campus experienced violent protest action this year, which significantly affected the academic programme,” said Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.

The academic programme on the Qwaqwa Campus continues, mostly online for this week, and students will be informed by their faculties about the revised schedule, as well as arrangements regarding tests and assessments scheduled for this week on the campus.

The campus remains open; the university's Protection Services is on high alert and is monitoring the situation on campus closely.

It is alleged that students were unhappy about the payment of allowances they are due to receive from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in April 2022. To alleviate this, the UFS has so far this year offered students allowances for food and books amounting to more than R71 million, while they are waiting for their NSFAS subsidies to be released.

Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Marketing)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za

News Archive

Faculty of Law establishes a Centre for Labour Law

2009-12-02

Here at a recent certificate ceremony for the students in Labour Law are Prof. Voet du Plessis, Ms Kotie Prinsloo (middle) from Netcare who received the Certificate in Labour Law with a distinction and Ms Alet Ellis from the Department of Private Law at the UFS.
Photo: Stephen Collett

The establishment of a Centre for Labour Law in the Faculty of Law was recently officially approved by the Council of the University of the Free State (UFS).

This centre aims to promote teaching and research in labour law at the UFS and to nationally and internationally establish collaboration with centres and institutes of labour law.

The first certificate course in Labour Law was presented in 2001 when a need was identified from persons who not necessary qualified for a LLB. An advanced course in Labour Law followed in 2004 and a postgraduate diploma in Labour Law followed in 2007. Since 2001, a total of 1 400 certificates have been awarded to students who successfully completed the certificate course and the advanced course in Labour Law.

“Where Labour Law is already to a greater degree functioning independently, the already existing operations will now be formally grouped in a centre,” said Prof. Du Plessis, acting head of the Centre for Labour Law at the UFS.

Apart from the Main Campus, the certificate course is also being presented in Qwaqwa and in Welkom. Distance learning is also provided for.

The official launch of the centre will take place early in next year. The board as well as the advisory panel, existing of experts from outside the university, will also then be appointed.

This centre can also be seen as one of the faculty’s community service arms,” said Prof. Du Plessis. The centre amongst others gives to persons who not have university admission the opportunity to study and to qualify themselves in their work. If a person completed all the certificate courses in Labour Law, he will be able to qualify for the postgraduate diploma in Labour Law with the recognition of prior learning process. Since the presentation of the last mentioned course in 2007, approximately 120 students have successfully completed this course.

“I am thankful that we are at this point where the Centre for Labour Law is officially approved. It is a great milestone for the Department of Mercantile Law as well as the Faculty of Law at the UFS,” said Prof. Du Plessis.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
2 December 2009

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