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UFS management and student leadership discussions yield positive results toward sustainable financial solutions

16 October 2025 | Story Lacea Loader

The University of the Free State (UFS) Executive Committee (Exco), Institutional Representative Council (ISRC), and Campus Student Representative Councils (CSRCs) of the three campuses met on 15 October 2025 and reached an agreement regarding the implementation of the phasing out of provisional registration.

The discussions were held in light of the decision made by the UFS Council on 26 September 2025 to phase out the provisional registration – a decision that led to the recent protest actions on the three campuses the past week.

In a spirit of working towards a fairer, more equitable, and sustainable financial support system for all academically deserving students, Exco and the student leadership agreed that provisional registration will be phased out over a period of two years (2026-2027). This phased approach allows the university time to assess the risks students are facing with a view to assisting students. This means that from 1 January 2026, all students will be on a fully registered system.

In recognition of the challenges students face, the outcomes of the meeting reflect the university’s ongoing commitment, and it ensures that all students are supported within a financially sustainable framework. It also reaffirms the university’s commitment to expanding access through enhanced financial support while sustaining the UFS as a national asset for future generations.

The Exco remains committed to ongoing engagement with student leadership through open dialogue that reflects the university’s values, appreciates the constructive approach taken by the student leadership, and remains dedicated to working collaboratively in the best interest of all students and the broader university community.

Memorandum of Agreement between UFS Exco, ISRC, and CSRC

News Archive

Student leaders' hard work rewarded

2013-05-01

Four student leaders on our Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses each received a scholarship of R15 000. Handré Hay, Estine Cronje, Tsepang Lenka and Jean Vermaas were rewarded for the positive impact they had on the student community in the past three years or more. Student Affairs' scholarship programme acknowledges the contribution of student leaders in the upliftment of the student community.

Read what the four have to say about leadership:

Handré Hay:

Handré Hay, a third-year BSc Physiotherapy student who holds several leadership positions on our Bloemfontein Campus, served for two consecutive years on the committee of Armentum residence. He was also a member of the executive council in the Students' Representative Council (SRC) and served in two SRC portfolios. "Leadership is about being able to serve. When people see that you are willing to put other people's interests above your own and that you are willing to serve unselfishly, despite a position of authority, you will get far," said Handré.

Estine Cronje:

Estine Cronje is the current prime of Marjolein residence. This was the second time the fifth-year Psychology student were re-elected to this position."Leadership is very important to me. One needs leaders in everything you do. I believe a leader should never think herself better than the rest and should work as hard as her team. She should command respect, be disciplined, an example to others, accessible and open to the opinions of other people.

Tsepang Lenka:

Tsepang Lenka is the SRC President of our Qwaqwa Campus. Tsepang, who was twice elected as prime of his residence, has already obtained his BA degree in Public and Business Management. He is currently working on his Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). "To me leadership means to serve. As a leader you don't lie to people when things are taking the wrong direction, you stand firm and tell the truth; in that way, people don't lose trust in you. The scholarship inspires me to work even harder," Tsepang said.

Jean Vermaas:

Jean Vermaas is a former SRC member who is currently studying for his LLB degree. Some of Jean's achievements include leadership positions of the Juridical Society and the Broad Students' Transformation Forum. In 2012 he was a founder member of the Student Elders' Council."Leadership is of extreme importance to me. It formed me into the person I am now. Leadership isn't always easy, but in the challenges you face you grow as a leader and as an individual."

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