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UFS academic programme to resume face-to-face on Monday 7 August 2023

05 August 2023 | Story Lacea Loader

All academic activities on the campuses of the University of the Free State (UFS) will resume face-to-face on Monday 7 August 2023.

This decision by the university’s executive management comes after campus-wide protests on 2 August 2023, and the subsequent decision to continue the academic programme online until 4 August 2023.

The university can confirm that a large number of UFS-registered students funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) who have been excluded from payment, have received their allowances on Friday 4 August 2023. The university is aware that a small number of students have not yet onboarded successfully with eZaga – an online digital banking service tasked with disbursing direct payments to NSFAS beneficiaries. These students have been requested to urgently onboard successfully with eZaga in order to receive their allowances.

On a sectoral level, the university would also like to confirm that a statement has been issued by Universities South Africa (USAf) in which NSFAS and the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation are, among others, requested to urgently resolve the matter of the direct payment of allowances to students. The UFS fully supports the statement and is hopeful that an amicable and urgent solution to the matter can be found.

Protection Services and the South African Police Service remain on high alert and are monitoring the situation on the campuses closely. The necessary security measures are in place to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, will address our staff and students on 8 August 2023 about last week’s protest action. Please monitor the communication platforms for more information on this important engagement session.

A message from Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, to staff and students about last week’s protest was also shared on 3 August 2023.

News Archive

UFS hosts the 11th annual Registrars’ Imbizo

2014-03-14

The University of the Free State recently hosted the 11thAnnual Registrars’ Imbizo which took place on 3 – 5 March 2014 at the Centenary Complex on the Bloemfontein Campus. Convening from across the country, up to 37 delegates affiliated to the Office of the Registrar shared their experiences and expertise. It also provided an opportunity to raise their concerns about their role in governance and academic administration.

At the opening of the Imbizo, Prof Driekie Hay, Vice-Rector: Academic Affairs, acknowledged the challenging and complex task of registrars in South African universities. Prof Hay highlighted the complexities in the history of higher education and the policy environment in particular. She raised concerns around funding for higher education, policy amendments passed through parliament and the newly-proposed reporting regulations for universities. She also referred to the introduction of a transformation oversight committee to evaluate the effectiveness of transformation at universities.

During the three-day Imbizo, delegates focused on matters such as finance and administrations, policy in higher education as well as social media and its impact on higher education. Dr Derek Swemmer, Registrar of the UFS and Chairperson, concluded the event. The visit included some sight-seeing – touring the Bloemfontein Campus and surrounds.

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