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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

Kovsies raise their voices to say no to racism – and yes to equality

2015-03-13

SRC President, Mosa Leteane
Photo: Hannes Pieterse

Launch of the No-to-Racism/Yes-to-Equality Campaign : Video

In support of National Human Rights Month, the UFS has launched the No-to-Racism/Yes-to-Equality Campaign. Through this campaign, the entire UFS community reaffirms its commitment to equality, respect, democracy, social justice, humanity, dignity, human rights, and diversity.

The first leg of the campaign, No-to-Racism, was launched at the Qwaqwa, Bloemfontein and South Campuses during the past month. “Look in the mirror tonight and have a discussion with yourself,” Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice Chancellor and Rector of the UFS, said during the launch at the Bloemfontein Campus. “Ask yourself to what extent can I truly say, ‘I am dealing with my racism, my bigotry, my ethnicism, my homophobia, my xenophobia? Am I truly dealing with those in my life?’”

Through the No-to-Racism Campaign, staff and students are encouraged to take a public stand against not only racism, but also homophobia, sexism, ableism, xenophobia, classism, ethnicism, ageism, and all forms of intolerance and othering.

The start of No-to-Racism will closely be followed by the Yes-to-Equality Campaign, which will be launched on 1 April 2015.

SRC President, Mosa Leteane, urged the Kovsie community to make South Africa work. “We say ‘no’ because we want to say ‘yes’. Fix your ‘no’ so that your ‘yes’ is clear, it’s equal, it’s honest. That is what ‘yes’ looks like.”

The campaign is also aligned with the declaration made by the UFS Council in November 2014 in which it was stated that “the Council of the University of the Free State believes very strongly in the human dignity, equality, and freedom of all people. Accordingly, the Council reaffirms its abhorrence of acts of racism, sexism, and unfair discrimination of any kind or in any form”.
The No-to Racism/Yes-to-Equality Campaign is an initiative of the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice, together with the SRC.

Important dates:
1 April 2015: Launch of Yes-to-Equality Campaign on the Qwaqwa and Bloemfontein Campuses
13 April 2015: Pledge of the UFS community at 12:45 on the Red Square, Bloemfontein Campus

For more information or enquiries contact news@ufs.ac.za.

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