The UFS was recently engulfed by student protests following its decision to phase out provisional registration by 2026 – a move that sparked widespread unrest across all three campuses. Academic activities were disrupted from Monday (13/10), culminating in incidents of vandalism, arson, and injuries to three security personnel.

However, the UFS executive committee, the institutional representative student council, and the campus student representative councils met on Wednesday (15/10) and agreed to implement the phasing out of provisional registration over two years (2026–2027).

UFS spokesperson Lacea Loader confirmed that university operations are resuming in phases following a turbulent week. Professional and service staff at the Bloemfontein Main and South Campuses returned to work on Thursday, 16 October. 

She added that the Qwaqwa Campus remains closed until further notice due to the extensive damage sustained on Monday.

Loader said investigations into the incidents are ongoing.

“There is an investigation underway in terms of what happened on this campus. The executive committee of the university condemns these acts of violence in the strongest terms, and also the destruction and damage to the property. 

“The densified faculties will manage this process in consultation with our students and staff. The university obtained an interim court order on Wednesday, prohibiting any individuals from engaging in unlawful activity or conduct on any of the three campuses,” she added.

As part of the agreement, the UFS will begin transitioning to a fully registered student system from 1 January 2026, with full implementation expected by 2027.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs