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Use social media responsibly, advises Deputy Minister John Jeffery

11 July 2022 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo Supplied

Freedom of expression discussion — From the left: Dr. Annelie De Man (Coordinator - advocacy division - Free State Centre for Human Rights), Deputy Minister John Jefferey, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Martie Bloem ( Private Law Lecturer, Faculty of Law), Tshepang Mahlatsi (Student Assistant - Advocacy division) and Prof Danie Brand (The Director of the Free State Centre for Human Rights).

According to the international market and consumer data company Statista’s June 2022 data, more than 4,6 billion people worldwide are using social media; this is an increase of 1 billion people compared to the total users in 2020.

Delivering his lecture on ‘Social Media, Freedom of Expression, and the Law’ on the University of the Free State Bloemfontein Campus on 30 May 2022, John Jeffery, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, said, “The power of social media lies in the sheer magnitude of the number of people using it.”

He said: “Section 16 of the South African Constitution provides that everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom of the press and other media; freedom to receive or impart information or ideas; freedom of artistic creativity; and academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.”

He advised perpetrators of malicious social media posts about the consequences and the harm to persons who are victims.

Depending on the circumstances, a person who suffers harm because of being the subject of someone else’s social media posts, can be protected under the Protection from Harassment Act. According to the Act, this is due to mental, psychological, physical, or economic harm.

Speaking at the Odeion School of Music, Deputy Minister Jeffery said, “Social media brings with it the importance of responsible use. As a social media user, you are entirely responsible for whatever appears on your social media accounts.’

He said: “Whatever you do in life – your conduct and your words – can be put onto various platforms and they will be there for a very long time. Do better, be better – and use social media to inspire people, to have an impact on the world, and to make it a better place.”

News Archive

UFS sets deadline for applications

2006-11-07

The University of the Free State (UFS) calls on all prospective students wishing to study at the UFS in 2007 to submit their applications for admission by no later than 30 November 2006.

“This applies to first-time entering first-year students and senior students who have interrupted their studies for at least one year,” said Mr Vernon Collett, Registrar: Academic Student Services at the UFS.

According to Mr Collett students whose applications for admission are received after 30 November 2006 and until 15 January 2007 will be accepted subject to the availability of place on the programme they applied for.

“No applications of transfer students from other tertiary institutions who wish to continue their studies at the UFS will be accepted after 31 October 2006. After 5 January 2007 no applications will be accepted from prospective students with conditional exemptions,” said Mr Collett.

Prospective students who want to apply must pay a non-refundable fee of R120 into a designated account, which will be provided when the application form is sent to them.

The signed application form must be accompanied by a certified copy of the prospective student’s identity document or passport and a proof of payment of the application fee. The application form of a minor must be signed by his/her parent or guardian and the field of study should be clearly indicated.

“More than 25 000 students are registered at the UFS Main Campus for the 2006 academic year. We expect a considerable number of applications and foresee that our numbers for next year will be similar to what it is now,” said Mr Collett.

First-time entering first-year students on the Main Campus will be welcomed by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Frederick Fourie, on 13 January 2007 at 11:00 in the Callie Human Centre.

The registration of first-time entering first-year students will commence on 16 January 2007 and that of senior students on 22 January 2007 at the Callie Human Centre according to a programme.

Students who applied for admission after 30 November 2006 and are accepted can register from 5 February 2007.

Lectures will commence on 5 February 2007 and the registration process will end on 9 February 2007.

Prospective students who want to apply for admission or who have any enquiries can call (051) 401-3000 or visit the UFS web site at www.uovs.ac.za.

Media release

Issued by: Lacea Loader

Media Representative

Tel: (051) 401-2584

Cell: 083 645 2454

E-mail: loaderl@mail.uovs.ac.za

31 October 2006

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