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26 September 2023 | Story Lacea Loader
The management of the University of the Free State (UFS) is aware of an online call for signatories in support of a letter dated 25 September 2023 to Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, in which the university allegedly did not act to defend the academic freedom of Dr Pedro Mzileni, Lecturer in the Department of Sociology.
 
In its response to the guest lecture given by Dr Mzileni to second-year LLB students on 25 July 2023, the UFS stated that it supports academic freedom and freedom of speech, but that it will act if any action by our staff or students speak against the values of the university.

The online call for signatories of the above-mentioned letter has, however, now created the misconception that the UFS did not act swiftly to defend Dr Mzileni’s academic freedom. It should be noted that, when the university receives a formal complaint from whichever entity, it is obliged to investigate such a complaint. Not doing so would be irresponsible. By investigating the alleged incident, the university is in no way impeding Dr Mzileni’s academic freedom.
 
As an academic institution, the UFS unequivocally supports academic freedom, as it protects the ability of academics to pursue their research and teaching without interference. The university recognises that academic freedom is essential in the pursuit of knowledge, as it allows scholars to search for and discuss diverse and often contentious ideas or solutions, pushing the boundaries of existing knowledge. Similarly, the university supports freedom of speech, as it is a fundamental human right.
 
However, the matter under investigation is not related to the issue of academic freedom. This is a formal complaint related to allegations of offensive and demeaning references to the dignity of people.

The matter is being dealt with as a Human Resources matter.

It must be noted that Dr Mzileni is continuing with his work as lecturer and has not in any way been prevented from doing so. Dr Mzileni continues to be part of the university’s Emerging Scholar Accelerator Programme – a programme for young academics that provides peer mentoring and support.
 
The university has further taken note that the investigation into the alleged remarks made by Dr Mzileni on 25 July 2023 is being treated differently than an incident on 14 September 2023 when a student allegedly levelled a racial slur at another student. The university wants to make it clear that there is no inconsistency in the way in which this matter is handled. 

In both instances, the university instituted urgent and formal investigations into the allegations that were made. 

In both instances, there is the presumption of innocence while the investigations are in process.

The university therefore calls for the integrity of these processes to be respected and for investigations of this nature to be afforded the necessary space to be concluded.

Issued  by:
UFS Department of Communication and Marketing

News Archive

Open Day attracts thousands
2012-05-02

 

Campus was abuzz with prospective students and their parents finding out what Kovsies has to offer.
Photo: Kaleidoscope Studios
1 May 2012

“It is easier to pass Grade 12 today because we don’t have a standard. However, at the University of the Free State, standards are important.”

This was Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS’ message when he addressed a packed Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus during this year’s Open Day.

“This university is the jewel of the country. Here at Kovsies we take academic standards seriously. You must know who you are in a place where academic standards are extremely important. Anyone can obtain a degree, but here you can get more than a degree. You get an education,” he said to the more than 5 000 learners and parents from across the country.

“It is not only important that you study here in South Africa, but also in other countries. That is why our students study all over the world. You must think out of your comfort zone, have a big heart, achieve great heights and show everyone that you are a Kovsie.

But, it is not all about studying – it is also about being human and reaching out to others. When you come to this university, you will also do other things that will make you proud of being a Kovsie.

Quality looks for quality. Therefore, work hard and study hard because you need to be at a good university,” he said.

The programme consisted of, among others, a spectacular laser show, a performance by Bobby van Jaarsveld and special messages from DW Bester and Sannah Mokone, Rhodes Scholars currently studying at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

In a pre-recorded message DW, a Ph.D. student in Mathematical Statistics, encouraged prospective students to work hard and persevere. Sannah, doing a Master’s degree in African Studies, said she believes in the future of the African continent. “I believe in our future students and know you can make it.”

Prof. Jansen also introduced some of the university’s recent student achievers such as Jurie Swart, regional winner of the Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Award; Farzana Samuel, named by the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) as the most outstanding student in quantity surveying for 2012; and Sibusiso Tshabalala, one of Google’s Top 10 Young Minds.

Richard Chemaly, President of the Central Student Representative Council (CSRC), said that, by coming to Kovsies, prospective students would become the best person they can be. “We have over 70 student organisations to help you take part in student life activities. So, make use of these opportunities,” he said.

The programme concluded with an introduction to the seven faculties by the respective deans.

The estimated 7 000 prospective students and their parents also had the opportunity to visit faculties and the stalls of residences.
 

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