The Thakaneng Bridge student centre at the University of the Free State (UFS) main campus has astonishingly been converted into a local drinking hole for the university’s aspiring academics. Thakaneng, a Sesotho word which authentically translates into “a place where people meet” can now classify the bridge as a place where people meet and engage on beer guzzling endeavours during the university’s academic hours. Moses Masitha: SRC President says “I don’t think alcohol should be sold during working hours on the bridge.” The beverages are said to be sold at Die Deli-a local student centre food outlet- which is situated in a communal student centre area, right next to the bridges electronic sliding doors that lead to the Sasol Library. Die deli is not the only alcohol outlet on the UFS campus, as Traumarei also serves the supposed students’ need for alcohol; the difference between the latter two outlets being that Traumarei is situated at a secluded part of the student centre that clearly isolates its customers from the rest of the university’s alcohol consumers. It is still unclear whether the UFS has an alcohol policy which deals with such matters, however, the matter was discussed at a recent Student representative Council (SRC) level 2 meeting. An SRC level 2 meeting is where the SRC members congregate with the Dean of Student Affairs, Kovsie Accommodation Services, Kovsie Sport and the Registration Committee. Matters discussed at this meeting incorporated the proposed closure of the male residences’ Senior Bonds (residence pubs), with residences no longer being allowed to sell alcohol to students on the campus. It was also widely understood that students will now have to go to off-campus venues to consume alcohol, and the possibilities of them being exposed to external dangers were also considered. Further discussions regarding the matter are yet to resume in forthcoming meetings.
IRAWA Reporter |