Thandi Xaba – AfriForum Youth at University of the Free State (UFS) handed over a petition today with thousands of signatures from students, together with a cover letter to the Dean of Student Affairs, Rudi Buys.
The organisation’s campaign is to launch healthy student traditions, student life along with the university’s assurance for current residents. National Chairperson for AfriForum Youth, Henk Maree says the petition carries many signatures which aim to prompt discussions within the management, to wheel forward their clarity on burning issues.
"One of the things we as organisation would like to know is what is the way forward regarding the JMB Hertzog name change allegation, as well as the possible removal of all traditions at JMB Hertzog. This march is bringing attention to those issues," Maree stated.
Addressing over 50 students, Buys told students that they should choose traditions based on meaningful values of the country, university and residents.Though he added, the university will never shy away from dealing with ventures that are not good for their students and the campus.
"No programme to re-new traditions will ever be done without input form students. They also contribute to the establishing of new traditions, we (the university) will always support the students."
Buys concluded that they will take a clear decision if something is not good for their students. "We demand positive conduct from our students who respond to positive values. We accept this petition in good spirit."
National Chairperson Henk Maree
