A series of protests and demonstrations across the university’s campuses was allegedly triggered by concerns over registration and funding.

In a video posted on social media, a student filmed the scene as security personnel stood outside a building, where students had gathered before their arrest. The student claimed the university had called the police to arrest students inside the building.

The students wanted to meet with the SRC president to seek intervention regarding their grievances. The video depicted a tense atmosphere as students were seen being led into police vehicles.

Nine women and six men were detained on UFS premises for violating a court order, confirmed Free State police spokesperson Capt. Loraine Earle. The university earlier issued communication regarding the disruption of classes and other activities at both Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa campuses.

The university clarified that the disturbances were connected to registration and funding matters, which had been a source of frustration for many students.

The protests began on Tuesday morning when a group of students gathered at the Student Lekgotla on the Bloemfontein campus. The group moved around the campus, interrupting classes and academic activities.

Heightened tensions

Meanwhile, on the Qwaqwa campus, students assembled at the entrance gate where they handed over a memorandum to campus management, outlining their demands. This caused heightened tensions and the involvement of the university’s Protection Services, who’ve been monitoring the situation closely to prevent the protests from escalating.

On Wednesday morning, the university issued another email to students, informing them that reports that classes had been suspended were incorrect. It was further stated that all classes will continue normal on campuses on Wednesday (12/2).

Updated: Since this article was published, the following was changed or added:
At least 15 students, not 16, were arrested – nine women and six men.

The UFS spokesperson, Lacea Loader, also responded:

A memorandum of demands from the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC) was handed over to the university management on 11 February 2025, to which management responded; these demands are related to registration and funding.

Financial concessions have been granted to students on two occasions so far this year to enable them to register. On 10 February 2025, the university granted follow-up concessions.

Furthermore, the institution’s Financial Working Group (FWG) – which includes representatives from the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC) – met regularly to determine how it could best assist students to register, taking into consideration the financial constraints of the university.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg