Free State University’s ‘kovsie’ rejected by students

The University of Free State student representative council (SRC) has rejected the use of the term “kovsie” to describe the university, saying it has a history embedded in racism and is exclusionary.

In a letter to professor Puleng LenkaBula, vice-rector: institutional change, student affairs, and community engagement at the university, the SRC said the origin of the name excludes black students.

“[It] is also a symbolisation and a celebration of the 1940 university that excluded black students, it is for this reason that students do not want to be called kovsies...

“Students do not feel as belonging and welcomed in the institution because of this name,” the SRC said.

It called for the name to be removed as part of institutional transformation.

“[The] university must discontinue the use of the name, in all official and non-official platforms and distance themselves from any continued use of the name as it does not reflect a real commitment to diversity, inclusivity and social justice.”

The SRC added that the call was in line with the university’s strategic plan to advance institutional culture.

“It is supported by the Integrated Transformation Plan in dismantling the legacy of apartheid and colonialism and creating an institution where diverse students feel a sense of common belonging,” the SRC said.

The name dated 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 added the name kovsies should have been removed in 2001, when the university’s name changed, saying the continued use of the term is similar to using an apartheid flag and was exclusionary to students. – News24 Wire