The University of the Free State (UFS) found itself at the center of student unrest as protests erupted on its campuses, forcing the institution to temporarily halt lectures. What was initially a peaceful start to the academic year for nearly 40,000 students quickly descended into chaos as students aired their grievances over a range of issues, including financial aid, registration problems, and student debt.
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Background: Protests at UFS
The protests that erupted at UFS began just a day after classes commenced on Monday, leaving lecture halls eerily empty by Tuesday. Protesters, primarily students, voiced several concerns, with the Student Representative Council (SRC) leading the charge. In a memorandum shared with students, the SRC highlighted the following major issues:
- National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allocations and unresolved appeals.
- Inability to add more modules to student timetables.
- Student debt and provisional registration, which impacted many students from enrolling fully for the year.
UFS SRC president, Pfarelo Maphangule, explained that the protests stemmed from the financial struggles many students face. He pointed out that around 200 students were denied registration this year due to outstanding fees, while others had not received their expected NSFAS allocations, leaving them in limbo.
The Protest Slogan: “Fasi Teki Mfundi”
The slogan, “Fasi Teki Mfundi” (translated as “student tie your takkies”), emerged as a rallying cry for unity. It called upon all students, whether directly affected or not, to join in solidarity with the cause. Maphangule further clarified that the protests were not limited to the Bloemfontein campus but also extended to UFS’s QwaQwa campus.
In their memorandum of demands, students insisted on immediate action from the university. However, despite their efforts to engage the institution, the protests continued to escalate. The students have warned that if their grievances remain unaddressed, they would continue to disrupt the academic calendar by preventing classes from taking place.
The Response from UFS: Security Measures and Mixed Messages
While the protests gained traction, UFS management attempted to maintain calm. The university issued a statement that classes were still “continuing as normal” and that necessary security measures were being put in place to protect the safety of students and staff. However, this message appeared contradictory to the reality on the ground.
Students attending lectures on Tuesday were reportedly forced out of classrooms by protesters. Those remaining on campus were urged to stay within their residences for safety. In response to the growing unrest, several lecturers sent messages advising students not to attend classes until the situation on campus had been resolved.
Despite UFS’s insistence that the academic program had not been officially suspended, the protest’s impact on daily operations was undeniable. Classes were effectively canceled, with many students staying away due to the chaotic environment.
Sympathy for Protesters, But Growing Frustration
For many students, the protests are an expression of frustration with an institution they feel has failed to address the pressing financial challenges faced by a significant portion of its student body. One anonymous student, while sympathetic to the cause, expressed concern over the disruption to their education.
“I sympathize with those who haven’t registered for whatever reason,” the student said. “But we are also being affected by our academics being delayed. I just hope this won’t last for long.”
UFS’s Concessions and Ongoing Efforts
In response to the growing dissatisfaction, UFS has attempted to ease the financial burden on students. The university’s Financial Working Group (FWG), which includes representatives from the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC), has been meeting regularly to determine how the institution can best assist students amid its own financial constraints.
Additionally, UFS announced that it had made certain “concessions” to allow more students to register. These efforts come in response to the overwhelming number of applications received by the institution. With over 180,000 applications for the 2025 academic year, the university has faced immense pressure to accommodate as many students as possible. In fact, the university’s intake for the current year has grown, with over 39,701 students enrolled.
Growing Pressure and Future Outlook
As the protests continue, UFS faces increasing pressure to address the root causes of student dissatisfaction. While the protests have highlighted the need for financial reform and better communication between students and the administration, the longer the unrest continues, the more it could affect the institution’s reputation and student retention rates.
With both the university’s leadership and the protesting students remaining firm in their positions, the coming weeks could see even more disruptions to the academic calendar. Students have made it clear that they will not back down unless the university meets their demands for financial relief and fair treatment. The resolution of these protests may set the tone for how UFS addresses similar issues moving forward, not just for the current cohort of students but also for future generations.
As UFS navigates this difficult situation, it remains to be seen how the administration will balance its financial limitations with the pressing needs of its student body. The protestors’ call for a fairer, more accessible education system resonates strongly with many, but finding a solution that satisfies both sides could prove to be a monumental challenge.
The protests at UFS are far from over, and with no immediate solution in sight, the academic year hangs in the balance. Students remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that the institution will make the necessary changes to alleviate their financial burdens. However, the longer this unrest continues, the more it will impact the reputation and academic experience at the University of the Free State.
