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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

First university student from Elzabé Zietsman’s Doilie Foundation chooses Kovsies

2015-01-21

Naledi Dweba and Elzabé Zietsman
Photo: Johan Roux

Naledi Dweba, one of the young people mentored by the well-known singer, Elzabé Zietsman, will become a Kovsie this year.

Although the University of the Free State (UFS) wasn’t the only university to offer Dweba a scholarship, he decided on Kovsies without doubt or further consideration and enrolled for his BMus degree with us. His instrument is the clarinet and Dweba reckons the outstanding Danré Strydom – a lecturer at the UFS’s Odeion School of Music – is the reason why he decided on Kovsies.

“She is a remarkable music teacher,” says Dweba.

Dweba, who only started with music lessons at the age of 15, recently performed his Grade 8 exam. Last year he also obtained a music distinction in matric.

Dweba and Zietsman met four years ago and, as a result of her Doilie Foundation, he now has the opportunity to pursue his dreams as a music student. Zietsman started the foundation in 2012 in order to help talented children.

“I have so many talented young people under my care, but Naledi is the first one to attend university,” Zietsman said at the university’s 2015 first-year’s welcoming on the Bloemfontein Campus.

The Doilie Foundation currently provides for several artistic children – from musicians to ballerinas.

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