I am writing to you about this week’s student protests at the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS), regarding access to higher education.

It is understandable that parents and/or guardians are concerned about the situation on campus, the safety of students, and the impact of the protests on the academic programme. Although disruption of some classes occurred on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 February 2017, academic and other activities continued this week. 

Be assured that contingency plans for the safety and security of staff and students are in place. Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) are on campus and the situation is monitored with their support and assistance. The necessary authorisation has also been obtained for action by the SAPS in support of our endeavour to ensure the safety of staff and students on all our campuses.

We are committed to do all in our power to ensure stability and safety on campus, and an uninterrupted academic programme. All lawful means will be deployed to achieve this.

Kind regards,
Prof Nicky Morgan
Acting Vice-Chancellor and Rector
University of the Free State

State of our campuses #1 (22 February 2017)
Memorandum handed to UFS management on 21 February 2017

Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Brand Management)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 51 444 6393