The University of the Free State has appointed a Cape Town based leadership agency to help with its residence integration policy.

Acting UFS rector Teuns Verschoor said on Friday that the iGubu Leadership Agency would help management understand and identify the current obstacles related to the implementation of the policy.

"They will draw up proposals to... ensure successful integration within the 21 residences on the main campus in Bloemfontein."

The agency was appointed after a screening and interviewing process conducted by the university's management.

A recommendation on the successful candidate was subsequently made to the council and iGubu was informed of its appointment this past week, said Verschoor.

Chief executive officer of iGubu Rudi Buys said agency had been involved in other successful projects in the development and management of student leadership, such as at the universities of Stellenbosch and Cape Town.

He said the main focus of their project would be investigating the trust between various parties and establishing healthy relationships between students.

The agency would also help develop student leaders' skills and hold conversations about values and meaningful change in residences and the student community.

"In the first phase of the project we will be conducting research and talk to students and other role players regarding ways of building unity on campus," said Buys.

The iGubu contract was signed for two years and the agency must regularly report to the UFS council via management on its progress.