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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

R40 million construction contract with black empowerment group starts at UFS
2006-09-04

During the ceremonial kick-off of the biggest construction project in the history of the UFS were from the left: Ms Vuyiwe Mkhupha (Manager of   Sikeyi Construction), Prof Frederick Fourie (Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS) and Prof Steve Basson (Head of the UFS Department of Chemistry). Photo: (Gerhard Louw)

R40 million construction contract with black empowerment group starts at UFS   

The biggest construction contract in the history of the University of the Free State (UFS) to the value of R40 million has started on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.  The contractors are Ströhfeldt Construction, in a joint venture with Sikeyi Construction, a black empowerment partner.

The contract comprises the extensive modernising, refurnishing and extension of the Chemistry Building.  This is the highest amount the UFS has ever spent on the refurnishing of a building. 
 
A number of initiatives have contributed to the fact that the UFS Department of Chemistry is one of the foremost chemistry departments in the country:
 

  • Expensive equipment and apparatus to the value of almost R20 million were acquired by the department the past year;
  • The basis of this is a strategic partnership with Sasol, the biggest research and development company  in the country;
  • The purchase of the most advanced 600MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectro meter in Africa;
  • The purchase of a single crystal X-ray diffractometer; and
  • The purchase of a differential scanning calorie meter, used to test the effect of heat on chemicals.  This apparatus comprises of the most advanced detectors in the world.

“Natural scientists need the necessary equipment, apparatus and laboratories to be able to exercise world-class science.  Three years ago the UFS top management made a strategic decision to focus strongly on research and on our  laboratories and lecture halls,“ said Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, during the launch of the Chemistry Building’s refurbishment.

“I regard this project as a symbol of our investment in science and the academy,“ said Prof Fourie.

Prof Fourie said that the UFS spent almost R100 million in the last 5 years to renovate the Main Campus.  New buildings such as Thakaneng Bridge were built and other such as the Reitz Dining Hall was renovated and converted into the Centenary Complex.  “These projects, together with the refurbishment of the Chemistry Building, also show how the UFS contributes to the development and growth of not only Bloemfontein, but also how we invest in the Free State,“ said Prof Fourie.

According to Ms Edma Pelzer, Director: Physical Planning and Special Projects at the UFS, the current building originally comprised of the Moerdyk Building built in 1949 and a newer wing built in 1966.  This building became too small and obsolete and a new part is now being added to the eastern side.
  
According to Ms Pelzer a great deal of the project comprises the dramatic upgrading and modernising of laboratories, existing mechanical systems and the installation of new systems.  “The nature of the work of staff and students demands sophisticated mechanical systems such as air conditioning, fume hoods, the provision of gas, etc and therefore these received specific attention.  The research laboratories, lecture laboratories and office areas will also be separated for safety and greater efficiency,” said Ms Pelzer.

“Interesting design solutions for the complex needs of the department were found and I foresee that the building and its immediate environment will be an adornment to the Main Campus after its expected completion in 2008,” said Ms Pelzer.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:  (051) 401-2584
Cell:  083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
14 September 2006

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