Share

UFS management to meet with SRC after call to discontinue use of 'Kovsies'

  • The University of the Free State will have discussions with students over the use of the term "Kovsies".
  • The SRC says it wants the term abolished because it doesn't reflect a commitment to diversity, inclusivity and social justice.
  • The students say the origin of "Kovsies" dates back to when the university was still called Universiteits Kollege van die Oranje Vrystaat.

 

The management of the University of the Free State (UFS) is expected to hold meetings with students over the use of the term "Kovsies".

University spokesperson Lacea Loader said they have become aware of a statement made by the Student Representative Council (SRC) rejecting the use of the term.

"The executive is disappointed that the SRC chose to make the statement about the use of the term in public and only afterwards directed a formal request to Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Vice-Rector for Institutional Change, Student Affairs and Community Engagement.

"The university will enter into discussions with the SRC on the matter, since it should be addressed in accordance with set institutional procedures," said Loader.

READ: University of the Free State SRC calls for removal of term 'Kovsies'

On 25 June, SRC president Katleho Lechoo posted a letter addressed to LenkaBula on social media, detailing that they want the word "Kosvies" to be abolished because the name is exclusionary and oppressive.

Students complained that they don't feel as if they belong at the university.

They called for the discontinued use of the word by the university in all official and non-official platforms because it doesn't reflect a commitment to diversity, inclusivity and social justice.

The letter explained that the name has its origins dating back to when the university was still called Universiteits Kollege van die Oranje Vrystaat.

It later become known as UKOVS, leading to the nickname Kovsie, the SRC said.

"[I]t was during the use of this name that the university practiced racial discrimination, with black, coloured and Indian academically deserving students not welcomed in the university. It was at this time, where only students of a certain racial group were allowed and were thus called Kovsies," it said.

It added that the name Kovsies should have been removed in 2001, with the university's name change, saying the continued use of the term is similar to using an apartheid flag and was exclusionary to students.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
41% - 310 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
59% - 446 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.96
-0.3%
Rand - Pound
23.95
-0.2%
Rand - Euro
20.48
-0.1%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.36
-0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.4%
Platinum
911.60
+1.6%
Palladium
1,012.97
+1.1%
Gold
2,216.03
+1.0%
Silver
24.89
+1.0%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.9%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.9%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE