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UFS launches 2025/2026 student elections with strong focus on integrity and inclusivity

04 August 2025 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo André Damons

Prof Sethulego Matebesi, Chairperson of the University of the Free State Elections Logistics Committee for 2025 and Head of the Department of Sociology.

The 2025/2026 Campus Student Representative Council (CSRC) and Faculty Student Council (FSC) elections are officially underway at the University of the Free State (UFS), with nominations, which took place from 28 July to 1 August. The Elections Logistics Committee (ELC), chaired by Prof Sethulego Matebesi – also Head of the Department of Sociology – has implemented a robust framework to ensure that the process is transparent, fair, and inclusive.

Since the introduction of online voting in 2021, the UFS has been refining the system to increase accessibility, efficiency, and transparency. “Online voting has become a key part of our electoral process, offering students a convenient, secure, and transparent way to participate,” said Prof Matebesi. This year, the ELC also launched extended voter education campaigns, outlined clear procedural guidelines, and improved real-time monitoring mechanisms to build student trust and engagement.

Voting in the 2025/2026 CSRC and FSC elections will take place from 20 to 22 August 2025. Students are encouraged to use the online platform to cast their votes during this period.

At the heart of the elections is the principle of a ‘free and fair’ process. “At the UFS, this means creating an environment where all candidates have equal access to resources and platforms, and students can vote without fear or intimidation,” Prof Matebesi explained. The ELC is committed to ensuring that every student voice is heard – especially those of first-year students and others not affiliated with political structures.

Past challenges, such as low voter turnout, misinformation, and disruptive conduct during manifesto presentations, have informed this year’s strategy. “To address these issues, we have enhanced engagement through social media, webinars, and SMS reminders. I am impressed with how students and their leadership have embraced the feedback mechanisms we have introduced,” said Prof Matebesi.

Candidates and campaign teams are expected to uphold a strict code of conduct aligned with the Constitution of the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC). Enforcement measures range from warnings to disqualification in cases of misconduct. “Instilling respect and good conduct have a lasting impact. It is essential that candidates appreciate the responsibility that comes with contesting in these elections,” he added.

Now that the nomination phase has closed, Prof Matebesi encourages students to actively participate in the next phases. “Vote, engage with candidates, and promote respectful dialogue. Your participation strengthens student democracy and shapes the future of our governance structures. Together, we can create an election process that reflects integrity, diversity, and shared purpose.”

News Archive

Badminton: Kovsies rule the national students championships

2006-04-11

Kovsies' badminton players again, as in the past few years, rule the national students championships currently being presented in Pretoria by TUT and UP.

The men, Chris Dednam, Roelof Dednam, Wiaan Viljoen and Raymond Ronne, had no other serious competition and were left to each other's rivalry. Especially Roelof Dednam performed excellent by surprisingly going through to the finals in beating Viljoen in the singles, and with Elaine Lues also Chris Dednam and Liansa Coetzee in the mixed doubles.

In the absence of Annari Viljoen (injured) and Sone Strauss (retired), the less experienced girls, Liansa Coetzee and Lizl Janse van Rensburg, had to uphold the Kovsie name. They performed excellent by taking third and fourth positions.

In the team competition which now takes place, Kovsies should make a clean sweep.

It is a pity that, through financial restraints, Kovsies players will not in October strengthen the SASSU team to the world student championships in China.

Results of the individual championships:

Men's singles: winner - Chris Dednam (UFS), runner-up - Roelof Dednam (UFS), third - Wiaan Viljoen (UFS), fourth - Raymond Ronne (UFS);

Men's doubles: winners - Chris Dednam / Roelof Dednam (UFS), runners-up- Wiaan Viljoen / Raymond Ronne (UFS);

Women's singles: winner - Kerry-Lee Harrington (KZN), runner-up - Christina English (TUT), third - Liansa Coetzee (UFS), fourth - Liezl Janse van Rensburg (UFS);

Women's doubles: winners - Kerry-Lee Harrington (KZN) / Christina English (TUT), runners-up - Liansa Coetzee (UFS) / Maret Visser (NW), quarter-finals - Elaine Lues / Anel Vorster (UFS), Liezl Janse van Rensburg (UFS) / Sarah Rice (Wits);

Mixed doubles: winners - Andre van Schalkwyk / Christina English (TUT), runners-up - Roelof Dednam / Elaine Lues (UFS), third - Chris Dednam / Liansa Coetzee (UFS), fourth - Wiaan Viljoen / Liezl Janse van Rensburg (UFS).

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