The information was made known when an email from the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Loyiso Jita, was leaked on social media. 

The email in question explained that the faculty is currently experiencing a shortfall of students to meet the faculty’s 2023 targets. The university’s spokesperson, Lacea Loader, said the management of the university is aware of the email, however, the content does not align with the university’s approved enrolment plan for 2023. “The UFS’ registration process closed on 17 February 2023, and the institution is unable to accommodate any prospective walk-in students,” she explained.

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She further explained that only the Faculty of Education can still accommodate some first-time-entering students to meet its set targets for 2023. However, this will be done in a structured manner and according to the faculty’s approved enrolment plan. 

The university has previously addressed food insecurity on campus in celebration of World Food Day. This came after a study done by the university found that a large number of students have limited access to sustainable food systems or a balanced diet. 

World Food Day is celebrated annually on the 16th of October with the aim of creating awareness among millions of people around the world who are food insecure and do not have access to a nutritious, sustainable food source.

“Being food insecure doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have food. It also means that you don’t have the right food that can promote your growth and your mental health, also provide energy as well as nutritional value for your brain to study optimally,” said Ms Elzmarie Oosthuizen, from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science and the Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development of the UFS.

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