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05 April 2022 | Story Lacea Loader
Qwaqwa Campus

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

UFS symposium focuses on troubled youths
2010-04-29

The Health and Wellness Centre at the University of the Free State (UFS) will present an interesting symposium on coping with troubled youths. The symposium is aimed at people working with youths between the ages of 12 and 18.

The symposium will take place on Saturday, 15 May 2010 from 08:30 to 13:00 in the BOK Auditorium at the UFS. The cost is R80 per person.

Dr Annette Prins of the centre says in the symposium attention will be given to alcohol and drug abuse, the juvenile delinquent and homosexuality. These behavioural patterns amongst youths influence a broad spectrum of issues, also sexual behaviour, that can potentially influence the further spreading of HIV/Aids.

The presenters are social workers Santie Froneman and Riaan du Plessis and psychologist Lindi Nel.

For further enquiries and to book, please contact Annemarie at 0861921921 or annemarie@z2a.co.za  or fax 0866559169.

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