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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

Brazil: Wayde’s dream destination since childhood

2015-12-15

Wayde van Niekerk knows he has to work even harder in 2016 if he wants to achieve success at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Photo: Charl Devenish

When he was still in primary school, Wayde’s dream destination was Brazil. Even his dog’s name is Rio.

So it almost seems written in the stars for Wayde van Niekerk to take part in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janerio.

According to the 400m athlete of the University of the Free State (UFS), the Olympics has been something he has been dreaming about for years.

Van Niekerk, who studies BA Marketing at the UFS, has had a phenomenal 2015 season, and the whole of South Africa hopes he can repeat his outstanding form in Rio. The Olympics will be held from 5-21 August 2016.

Funny story

“It actually is a funny story. You know when you are in primary school, and the teacher says you have to write down your dream destination. Mine was Brazil,” Van Niekerk revealed.

“In 2012 at the closing ceremony of the London Olympics, I saw they introduced Rio as the next hosting country, and I thought Wow! That is where I want to be, and what I want to do.

“That opened my eyes and I knew God has a plan for me. I have to put in the hard work and achieve something with my life. Luckily from there on, there was pure growth in my life and I am grateful for that.”

His dream is also carried by his dog, Rio, a husky he got about two years ago.

Preparation in 2016

Van Niekerk will follow a specific programme leading up to Rio 2016.

In February next year, he will still be taking things easy, but will probably compete for the UFS in the Varsity Sports athletics.

“You have to build up slowly to peak at the right time,” he said.

In June 2016, he will start competing internationally in Jamaica, then New York, the All-Africa Games in Durban, and then, some Diamond League events before the Olympics in August.

In the archive:

KovsieSport star

NBC tells waydes story

Wayde nominated as SAs best

Wayde Adidas face

Wayde’s hat trick of awards

Congratulate wayde and other achievers

Wayde wins gold

Kovsie trailblazing track runner

Kovsie gold medalist

Kovsie Campion sprinter

Wayde sets African record

Kovsies keep winning, this time in athletics

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