Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
17 February 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo UFS Photo Archive
The UFS Protest Protocol offers the university community safety guidelines during protests, including dos and don’ts for staff and students who are not demonstrating; acceptable and unacceptable behaviour during protests, and how to handle protests in accordance with standard operating procedures

The University of the Free State (UFS) recognises the right of students and staff members to peacefully assemble, picket, and protest in a way that does not interfere with the rights of other members of the university community. At the same time, the safety of all UFS staff and students is one of our top priorities.

The UFS Protest Protocol offers the university community safety guidelines during protests, including dos and don’ts for staff and students who are not demonstrating; acceptable and unacceptable behaviour during protests, and how to handle protests in accordance with standard operating procedures.

As a university, we continuously strive to create an inclusive environment where opposing views are accommodated, and the constitutional right to protest is respected. According to the UFS’s Vision 130 strategy, one of the key principles that drive the institution is social justice: “The university recognises that diversity goes together with a commitment to inclusivity, equity, and social justice. We therefore also commit to creating a culture of care and a vibrant space for, and acceptance of, constructive and critical engagement; where a diversity of often contested ideas and perspectives is not just tolerated, but also fostered through discussion and subsequent implementation.”

What should one do if a protest occurs?

1. Communicate: The university must be informed if it is to respond appropriately to protest action. If you are aware of ongoing or impending protest action, immediately inform the relevant 24/7 Protection Services operational centre.

2. Be informed: In order to respond appropriately to protest action (for your own protection and the protection of others), you need to know about impending or ongoing protests and stay informed on how it unfolds, via official UFS communication platforms and ConnectYard. The latter provides as-it-happens crisis alert notifications via WhatsApp.

3. Keep away: If at all possible, keep away from the area of the protest action. Try to keep others for whom you are responsible away as well.

4. Help others: If someone appears to be in danger or distress, intervene only if you are sure that it is safe for you to do so, and proceed calmly, without provoking protesters. Seek treatment for injuries. Should you or someone else suffer injuries of any kind during protest action, seek treatment from emergency services or Kovsie Health. Contact the Protection Services operational centres for any medical emergencies, so that they can activate the ambulance services according to available protocols.

5. Report: Report all incidents and damages to Protection Services at the numbers provided. It is important that non-protesting staff and students submit statements to the UFS investigating officers for the internal disciplinary process, to prevent similar occurrences in future. Be specific when providing a statement, to enable the investigating team to identify those involved in violent disruptions. Culprits cannot be brought to book if no evidence is available to link them to specific incidents. All reasonable steps will be taken to protect non-protesting staff and students testifying in disciplinary proceedings.

For advice on what to do and what not to do, read the UFS Protest Guidelines booklet. You can also watch the video below for more information:

 

Bloemfontein Campus
Protection Services: +27 51 401 2911 | +27 51 401 2634 | 0800 204 682
Ambulance: +27 80 005 1051 | 10177
Social worker: +27 73 182 3048
Kovsie Health: +27 51 401 2603

Qwaqwa Campus     
Protection Services: +27 58 718 5460 | +27 58 718 5175 | +27 58 718 5360
Ambulance: 10177
Social Worker: +27 58 718 5090 | +27 58 718 5091
Kovsie Health:   +27 58 718 5210                          

South Campus
Protection Services: +27 51 505 1217
Ambulance: +27 80 005 1051 | 10177
Social worker: +27 73 182 3048
Kovsie Health: +27 51 401 2603

 

 

News Archive

Prof Danie Vermeulen appointed as dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
2016-03-18

Description: Prof Danie Vermeulen Tags: Prof Danie Vermeulen

As the new dean of the UFS Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Prof Danie Vermeulen is resolute to place this faculty on the world map.
Photo: Anja Aucamp

The Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) approved the appointment of Prof Danie Vermeulen as dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences during its meeting on 11 March 2016.

“Prof Vermeulen brings to the position of dean a set of formidable research and leadership achievements and a track-record of commitment to equity and diversity in the sciences," said Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.

“It is a great honour that was bestowed on me to lead the faculty and it makes me feel very humble," said Prof Vermeulen.

Fifteen years ago, Prof Vermeulen joined the UFS as a researcher and lecturer. From 2007-2009 he filled the role of acting director of the UFS Institute for Groundwater Studies to subsequently be appointed as not only the director of this institute, but also associate Professor in Geohydrology.

As an alumnus, Prof Vermeulen has strong ties to the UFS. He acquired a BSc Honours, MSc, and PhD Cum Laude in Geohydrology here.This pursuit of excellence also transpires in his aspirations for the faculty’s future. “My vision is that the faculty becomes the best in South Africa in various departments – and recognised throughout Africa, especially in the applied sciences. In addition, the faculty will actively interact with world-leading universities, particularly in the hard sciences.”

Prof Vermeulen is a member of the Executive Committee of the Free State branch of the Groundwater Division of South Africa, member of the Executive Council of the International Mine Water Association, as well as council member at the Fossil Fuel Foundation of South Africa. In the past, he has held membership at the International Association of Hydrogeologists, South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, Ground Water Division of the Geological Society of South Africa, Water Institute of South Africa, FETWATER Groundwater Initiative, and Editorial Board member of the scientific journal, Water SA.

Prof Vermeulen served as the acting dean for six months prior to his appointment. His appointment commences on 1 April 2016 for a period of five year.

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept