The South African Student Congress (SASCO) at the University of the Free State has distanced itself from all acts of violence by students at the institution. Six students were allegedly caught on the Bloemfontein main campus with material that could be used to start a fire.

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The University of the Free State students are protesting against the institution’s decision to scrap provisional registration starting from the 2026 academic year. Some were arrested and are set to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court. #UFS pic.twitter.com/xCYGZQ8JaA

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 10, 2025

SASCO’s Gaogakwe Fandie says they condemn any intention to destroy property. However, they reject the scrapping of provisional registrations, which has sparked the student protests.

“SASCO firmly rejects the University’s decision to discontinue provisional registration. For many this has been a bridge between hardship and opportunity. We need it now. We have therefore, called for a complete shutdown of the Free State until provisional registration has been restored for all the students.”

[ON AIR] Several students have been arrested for public violence at two University of Free State’s campuses after students embarked on protests against the university’s proposed scrapping of provisional registration which comes into effect next year. Phiwa Dlamini speaks to… pic.twitter.com/LKxsJlRYfo

— SAfmRadio 📻 (@SAfmRadio) October 10, 2025

VIDEO | Free State University Students embark on protests