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Bibi Essop
Bibi Essop, newly elected Universal Access Officer of the Bloemfontein Campus CSRC, celebrates her election as a representative of CUADS and students living with disabilities at the UFS.

The University of the Free State (UFS) community proudly celebrates the appointment of Bibi Essop as the newly elected Campus Student Representative Council Universal Access Officer on the Bloemfontein Campus – a role of immense importance for inclusivity, representation, and student advocacy.

Living with brittle bone syndrome, Essop brings both personal insight and leadership to her portfolio, representing the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS). Her election is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the university’s growing recognition of the importance of visible leadership by students with disabilities.

By stepping into this position, Essop embodies the empowerment of students who navigate both academic life and unique personal challenges. “This is the pinnacle of my achievements this year, as I have been working towards this for the past three to four years,” she says.

She emphasises that her first priority was to understand the needs of the community she represents. “I had to make sure I know the people I represent, which gave me the opportunity to learn about the other four cohorts on our campus: students with visual impairment, hearing impairment, and learning difficulties, since I am a part of the mobility impairment cohort,” she explains.

The role of Universal Access Officer is vital in ensuring that the needs of students with disabilities remain central to discussions about inclusivity, campus infrastructure, and academic support. Essop is determined to challenge misconceptions about the position. 

“Many people assume my portfolio is restricted to CUADS students only, whereas it is so diverse that it needs to be incorporated in every other portfolio. Accessibility at every event is essential for students living with disabilities,” she says. “Many students do not attend events because they presume that they will not be accommodated.” 

Looking beyond academics, Essop hopes to work closely with fellow CSRC members to ensure inclusivity across all aspects of student life. One initiative she is particularly excited about is Casual Day on 5 September 2025 - a celebration of different disabilities aimed at fostering awareness, education, and integration among all students. 

“The CSRC has reach and influence across all three campuses. By partnering with them, CUADS can amplify its work, ensure consistent messaging, and create opportunities for engagement that are student-driven. This collaboration allows us to step outside of formal support channels and become part of broader campus conversations, events, and initiatives,” says Mosa Moerane who is the liaison, advocacy and awareness officer for CUADS. 

Moerane explains that there are differences in challenges faced by students with disabilities on three campuses. “Bloemfontein, being the largest campus, often presents challenges around scale- serving a higher number of students with diverse needs. South Campus has its own dynamics, with many first-year students who may still be navigating disclosure and adjustment. Qwaqwa students face unique geographical and infrastructural challenges. CUADS responds by tailoring support through assistive technology, academic accommodations, or advocacy for improved accessibility while keeping the student’s lived experience at the centre,” said Moerane.

“The aim is always to make students in Qwaqwa and South Campuses feel as included as those in Bloemfontein. Also having offices at South Campus and Qwaqwa Campus with CUADS Coordinators assists in ensuring that our students are supported similarly to those on Bloemfontein Campus,” she added.

As UFS continues its journey towards greater inclusivity, Essop’s appointment serves as a reminder of the importance of representation across all student cohorts. It affirms that every voice, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves to be heard.

The university congratulates Bibi Essop on this well-deserved achievement. Her leadership represents a step towards ensuring that universal access is not just a policy, but a lived reality for all UFS students. 

News Archive

Fundraising campaign launched to help feed hungry students
2012-03-28

 

From the left is Dr. Carin Buys (Patron of NSH), Ms. Nicky Abdinor (guest speaker), Mrs. Grace Jansen (patron of NSH) and Redi Tlhabi (master of ceremonies).
Photo: Johan Roux
28 March 2012

Video clip (YouTube)

The University of the Free State (UFS) received over R200 000 for its No Student Hungry (NSH) Programme at the NSH launch dinner on Friday 23 March 2012 in Bloemfontein.

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS as well as founder of the NSH Programme donated R100 000 from the proceeds of his book We Need to Talk to this programme. Standard Bank also donated R30 000.

An additional amount of about R90 000 was raised by means of pledges made by guests and the auctioning of several items. These items were donated by local companies and university staff.

The No Student Hungry Programme (NSH) aims to raise funds to provide modest food bursaries for needy students and give them daily access to a balanced meal.
Prof. Jansen started the NSH programme in 2011 with the proceeds of his book, We Need to Talk.

The NSH funds more than 100 students in the hope of helping them to excel in their academic endeavours and, ultimately, to obtain their degrees.

In 2011, Prof. Jansen discovered that a significant number of students were studying without eating on a regular basis. These were often students with strong academic records but without adequate funding to sustain themselves with regular meals.

The project was established in January 2011 when the NSH Team started to develop the structure and processes of the programme. The first 100 students who were awarded the food bursaries started using their student cards for daily meals on campus on 1 April 2011.

“The No Student Hungry Campaign is not only about creating a university campus that cares. It is about creating a country where being human matters. Our students on the NSH project are amazing young people. They struggle to get by, but they have great potential and achieve good marks," Prof. Jansen said on Friday.

Prof. Jansen’s wife, Grace, and Dr Carin Buys, wife of Mr Rudi Buys, Dean of Student Affairs, volunteered to drive the programme and raise funds to address the problem. They are supported by various divisions within the university.

Students apply for the bursaries and are selected on the basis of their financial needs, good academic results, active participation in student life programmes and commitment to give something back to the community.

The raising of funds is a continuous process involving awareness campaigns, seeking of partnerships with companies and institutions and support from the general public, staff and individuals.

An agreement has been made with several food outlets/restaurants on campus who offer healthy, balanced meals to NSH students when they swipe their student cards that are funded by the programme.

At the end of the year the process is reviewed and students who still qualify are reinstated on the programme, whilst those whose circumstances have changed or are no longer in need of the bursaries, make way for new applications.

The NSH Team meets with students on a regular basis with the purpose of offering training, motivation and opportunities for personal growth and career development. Students are also expected to become involved in projects as a way of ploughing back into the community.

The goal is to expand the project annually as support for it grows.
Ms Nicky Abdinor, a clinical psychologist from Cape Town, who was born without arms and with shortened legs, provided an entertaining motivational speech at the launch. Ms Abdinor, founder of the Nicky's Drive organisation, also visited the UFS’ Unit for Students with disabilities where she delivered a talk on independence for people living with disabilities.

To become involved with the NSH Programme, please contact Mrs René Pelser on +27(0)51 4019087 or e-mail pelserr@ufs.ac.za.


Media Release
28 March 2012
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: +27(0)51 401 2584
Cell: +27(0)83 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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