Registrations at the university kicked off at the beginning of this week with senior students who did not register online. Registrations at all campuses have thus far been smooth sailing despite protests that broke out on January 9 and saw registration points being temporarily suspended. A group of protesters blocked some entrances to the Bloemfontein Campus and threatened registrations on the grounds that the management of the university had failed to address some of the challenges faced by students. The South African Students Congress (Sasco) vowed to shut down the university, should the management of the university fail to heed to their call, alleging that the university seeks to purge and deny poor students education by not attending to issues that continue to plague them.

Their concerns included NSFAS-funded students who were allegedly expected to settle their outstanding fees prior to registration, increased fees and cancelation of provisional registrations.

Following a meeting with the student representative body, the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Francis Petersen, however, announced that they resolved to keep provisional registrations for students with outstanding fees on a condition that the outstanding debt does not exceed R14 000, and that those with an outstanding fee above this amount approach the Student Finance Division.

Petersen alluded that they are expecting a smooth 2019 academic year.

First-years’ welcoming at the respective faculties will take place tomorrow, (Saturday, 26 January).

The registration process for first-year students at the QwaQwa campus is expected to take place on Monday, January 28, while classes are scheduled to start on February 11.

OFM News