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28 May 2024 | Story Jacky Tshokwe | Photo supplied
Reading Culture
The University of the Free State Faculty of Humanities and the Library Information Services proudly established a brand-new school library at Kagisano Combined School on 14 May 2024.

In a bid to cultivate a culture of reading within the community and bolster the University of the Free State's (UFS) Vision 130, the Faculty of The Humanities has embarked on a transformative journey of collaboration with the Library Information Services (LIS). This partnership symbolises a commitment to not only academic excellence, but also social responsibility, aiming to make a tangible difference in the lives of those within our community.

On 14 May, the Dean’s office – in synergy with LIS and the Department of Plant Sciences – undertook a meaningful venture at Kagisano Combined School in Ikgomotseng to establish a school library, making it an engaging and welcoming space for learners.

Led by Dr Dimitri Veldkornet and supported by four dedicated PhD candidates, the Department of Plant Sciences has made a remarkable impact by enhancing the library's surroundings with indigenous flowers. Beyond mere beautification, this initiative also served as an educational opportunity, as five learners from the school were trained to care for these plants, fostering a sense of ownership and environmental stewardship.

Colleagues from LIS meticulously and simultaneously organised the library space, ensuring that reading materials were properly catalogued and shelved for easy access. In addition, LIS generously donated furniture, including shelves, tables, and chairs, to create an inviting environment conducive to learning and exploration.

The collaborative effort extended beyond academic circles, as the community of Ikgomotseng and Letsatsi Trust demonstrated remarkable hospitality by combining resources to provide refreshments for UFS colleagues and community members involved in the initiative. This gesture exemplifies the power of collective action and highlights the interconnectedness between the university and its surrounding communities.

By revitalising the school library and fostering a culture of reading, this partnership exemplifies the core values of social responsibility and community engagement espoused by the UFS. Moreover, it underscores the university's commitment to Vision 130, which envisions a future where education transcends the confines of academia to positively impact society at large.

As we continue to forge ahead, let us remember that true progress is measured not only by academic achievements, but also by the meaningful contributions we make to the communities we serve. Together, through collaboration and compassion, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all. 

News Archive

UFS research sheds light on service delivery protests in South Africa
2015-01-23

UFS research sheds light on service delivery protests in South Africa

Service delivery protests in the country have peaked during 2014, with 176 major service delivery protests staged against local government across South Africa.

A study by the University of the Free State (UFS) found that many of these protests are led by individuals who previously held key positions within the ANC and prominent community leaders. Many of these protests involved violence, and the destruction had a devastating impact on the communities involved.

This study was done by Dr Sethulego Matebesi, researcher and senior lecturer at the UFS. He focused his research on the dynamics of service delivery protests in South Africa.

Service delivery protests refer to the collective taken by a group of community members which are directed against a local municipality over poor or inadequate provision of basic services, and a wider spectrum of concerns including, for example, housing, infrastructural developments, and corruption.

These protests increased substantially from about 10 in 2004 to 111 in 2010, reaching unprecedented levels with 176 during 2014.

The causes of these protests are divided into three broad categories: systemic (maladministration, fraud, nepotism and corruption); structural (healthcare, poverty, unemployment and land issues); and governance (limited opportunities for civic participation, lack of accountability, weak leadership and the erosion of public confidence in leadership).

In his research, Dr Matebesi observed and studied protests in the Free State, Northern Cape and the North-West since 2008. He found that these protests can be divided into two groups, each with its own characteristics.

“On the one side you have highly fragmented residents’ groups that often use intimidation and violence in predominantly black communities. On the other side, there are highly structured ratepayers’ associations that primarily uses the withholding of municipal rates and taxes in predominantly white communities.”

 

Who are the typical protesters?

Dr Matebesi’s study results show that in most instances, protests in black areas are led by individuals who previously held key positions within the ANC - prominent community leaders. Generally, though, protests are supported by predominantly unemployed, young residents.

“However, judging by election results immediately after protests, the study revealed that the ANC is not losing votes over such actions.”

The study found that in the case of the structured ratepayers’ associations, the groups are led by different segments of the community, including professionals such as attorneys, accountants and even former municipal managers.

Dr Matebesi says that although many protests in black communities often turned out violent, protest leaders stated that they never planned to embark on violent protests.

“They claimed that is was often attitude (towards the protesters), reaction of the police and the lack of government’s interest in their grievances that sparked violence.”

Totally different to this is the form of peaceful protests that involves sanctioning. This requires restraint and coordination, which only a highly structured group can provide.

“The study demonstrates that the effects of service delivery protests have been tangible and visible in South Africa, with almost daily reports of violent confrontations with police, extensive damage to property, looting of businesses, and at times, the injuring or even killing of civilians. With the increase of violence, the space for building trust between the state and civil society is decreasing.”

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