This was a week of disruption caused by student protests and university operations being halted. A resolution was reached between university management and student representatives regarding the contentious issue of provisional registration.

The two parties agreed to phase out provisional registration over two years (2026 and 2027). Despite the agreement, the university obtained a court order against students or any individual who may engage in any unlawful activities across its three campuses.

UFS spokesperson Lacea Loader had confirmed university operations resumed in phases after operations were halted. Professional and service staff returned to the Bloemfontein Main and South Campuses on Thursday (17/10). The Qwaqwa Campus remained closed due to extensive infrastructure damage following protests earlier in the week.

The university has made changes to the academic calendar. The end of the fourth quarter will be postponed, and the start of the main year-end examinations has been shifted from 3 November to 10 November.

‘Except some final-year students’

The amendment applies to all students except final-year students in the Faculty of Health Sciences, who will still commence examinations on 3 November. This exception ensures graduates can complete their studies in time to begin community service or internships in January.

UFS has urged students to stay in close contact with their lecturers or programme coordinators regarding updated schedules, lectures, and assessments. Further communication will be managed by individual faculties and departments.

The Qwaqwa Campus will gradually reopen according to the following schedule:

• Monday, 20 October: Return of University Estates staff
• Tuesday, 21 October: Return of academic, professional, and support services staff
• Wednesday, 22 October: Return of residence students
• Thursday, 23 October: Full resumption of academic activities

In a statement, the university extended its appreciation to staff and students for their patience, commitment, and resilience during this challenging period.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg