Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela is pursuing a contingency plan to minimize learning disruptions at the University of the Free State (UFS).
This comes as students have been protesting at the institution for two weeks.
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On Monday, a university building was destroyed and set on fire.
The demonstrations started shortly after the university administration announced that students with outstanding debts would not be able to enroll in 2026.
The minister has condemned the violence and is calling on the institution’s management to find a solution.
The Minister’s spokesperson, Matshepo Seedat, said: “The severity of the situation makes it imperative that the safety of all students, staff and property is prioritised. The Minister remains in direct communication with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State. A key focus for the Minister is the maintenance of the 2025 academic year.”
Jabulile Mbatha
www.ewn.co.za