The situation at the Qwaqwa campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) is calm following overnight violent protests. 

UFS SRC Deputy President Thabang Molakeng says students have been ordered to vacate campus by university management. 

VIDEO| Students at the UFS Qwaqwa campus are leaving the institution after Monday night protests. For more visit https://t.co/TS6YUmN424
Images: Ishmael Modiba pic.twitter.com/m3nHsjmQi0

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 14, 2025

Student protests started last week following the university’s decision to scrap provisional registrations as of next year. 

Aggrieved students say this will exclude underprivileged students from accessing higher education. 

[WATCH]
Six University of the Free State students are expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court today on charges of malicious damage to property, following recent protests on campus. #UFS pic.twitter.com/0D65Lpp9lO

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 13, 2025

The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has condemned what it calls the “thuggish and barbaric” conduct of private security guards at the University of the Free State.

Committee Chairperson Tebogo Letsie says violence against protesting students has no place in institutions of higher learning.

Letsie warned that the use of heavily armed private security on campuses only heightens fear and tension among students and staff.

Letsie said universities should be spaces of learning and nation-building, not violence. 

VIDEO | UFS STUDENTS FACE CHARGES OF MALICIOUS DAMAGE TO PROPERTY AND ATTEMPTED ARSON