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UFS responds to posts trending on Twitter on 4 June 2020

04 June 2020 | Story Lacea Loader

It has come to the attention of the University of the Free State (UFS) that false and inaccurate statements have been circulating on Twitter on 4 June 2020, claiming that its students were not equipped or supported to study remotely during the COVID-19 lockdown. The UFS believes that it is important to engage in dialogue to correct any misconceptions and inaccuracies that are at risk of being perpetuated.

Contrary to these reports, the UFS has invested much time and resources in the development and deployment of low-tech online and distance approaches to learning and teaching. Since March 2020, the university has undertaken extensive measures to support its students after classes were suspended and to ensure the continuation of the academic programme.

Statements on Twitter include a number of inaccuracies, which the university wants to correct:

• The Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC) was not suspended by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Petersen. In fact, the university management regularly meets with the ISRC on matters of concern to them. Student representatives also serve on a number of institutional committees – both before and during the national lockdown.
• No deregistration of any students has taken place.
• Since the end of April 2020, structured and managed data was provided to students to obtain access to academic content as well as to the academic platforms for free. However, to access this free data, students need to download the GlobalProtect app – this was communicated numerously and explained to students. The university’s ICT Services will provide video and technical guides to all students to assist them with downloading the app.
• As of June 2020, all allowances for which students qualify and which are approved by NSFAS, have been paid by the university.
• Although online learning provides a solution to continue with programme delivery, the university is deeply aware of the fact that access may be a barrier – especially during these extraordinary times. To assist vulnerable students, a total of 3 500 laptops have been procured by the UFS, enabling the university to assist eligible students in accessing the online platforms, obtaining learning material, and engaging with lecturers. The university is in the process of distributing the laptops to students who qualify. The Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation’s process to provide laptops to students is separate from the 3 500 laptops procured by the UFS.

The UFS remains committed to supporting its students in response to COVID-19 and is looking forward to working as a community to prepare for the institution’s response to the new challenges of responsibly returning to campus life from June 2020 onward. As staff and students start returning to the institution in a phased approach this month, the UFS will continue to comply with all applicable governmental directives and health guidelines to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of its students and staff.

Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Marketing)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za

News Archive

Predation Management Centre helps stock farmers to address predator problem

2017-03-29

Predators, including caracal and foxes, are costing the
livestock industry about R2 billion annually. The
Predation Management Information Centre was
established to collect, analyse, and make information
available on predation and predation management to
stock and game farmers.
Photo: Pixabay

Predators are costing the livestock industry about R2 billion annually. To address the problem, the Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) teamed up with the Predation Management Forum (PMF).

Predation Management Information Centre established
The UFS has signed service agreements for the establishment of a Predation Management Information Centre with the four industries (wool, mohair, red meat, and game industries) forming part of the PMF. The centre will collect and analyse information on predation and predation management. This information will then be made available in a management information system and information contained in the system will be made available to all users.

Centre makes essential information available
At the information centre, a team of dedicated staff members handles calls and enquiries. Experts in the team are also available to provide advice to farmers. Furthermore, the centre is responsible for the management of information and resources. Relevant policy documents and scientific articles will be stored in an archive at the centre which will also collect research, statistics, biometric information, and information on new research topics.

The information that is collected will be used to assist farmers with predation management. Information on methods which are effective in a specific situation will be made available to farmers in order to help reduce predation on their farms. “By focusing on non-lethal methods in predation management, best practices can be compiled in order to restrict losses attributed to predation to the minimum,” says Quinette Kruger from the information centre.

Contact details for authorities and specialists managing damage-causing animals will also be provided by the centre.

The information centre invites stock farmers, game farmers, the general public, retail, authorities, and other stakeholders to contact the centre at +27 51 401 2210 or PredationMC@ufs.ac.za.