ANC alliance demands transformation at UFS

The alliance movement in the Free State - which is made up of Cosatu, SACP and ANC - say they plan to hold a massive protest march against the lack of transformation at the Bloemfontein campus of the Free State University on Friday.

The movement's Playfair Morule says they will demand the fundamental transformation of the university in all respects. This follows the production of a racial video by white students at the President Reitz residence almost three weeks ago.

The alliance says their lawyers are currently trying to reverse a court interdict granted to the university that prohibits workers and students from taking part in protest marches and disrupting classes. The reason for this is that workers and students could take part in the upcoming march.

The alliance blames the university authorities for playing double standards in the video saga. They say the authorities claim to be condemning these racist acts, while at the same time they are interdicting students and workers from taking part in protest marches on campus.

The alliance will also demand the resignation of the whole university council, as it is not progressive.

Safety on campus
Meanwhile, the university's management says there is no final decision on the future of Reitz residence and interest groups have to be consulted.

Responding to calls for the dismissal of the Dean of Student Affairs, who allegedly did not take action after reports of racism, the management says it will investigate the Office of the Dean of Students before they can decide on further action.

The university has also announced certain measures to ensure safety on campus. This entails the possible introduction of a hotline to give students the opportunity to report incidents. It also entails the possible appointment of an ombudsman and the introduction of a system of fulltime live-in residence wardens at men’s residences.