In a bid to promote the well-being of its male student body, the University of the Free State (UFS) has launched its Lekgotla Men’s Well-being Project, which aims to foster a sense of belonging among male students and empower them to strive for personal growth.

The launch was structured around three key themes: the cultural and religious evolution of manhood; consent; and financial literacy for young men. Each theme was carefully presented and discussed by speakers and panellists assembled for the occasion. The event took place on 16 March 2024 at the UFS’s Qwaqwa Campus and was hosted by the Division of Student Affairs’ Social Support Office.

Among the participants were Prof Prince Ngobeni, Qwaqwa Campus Principal; Zoleka Dotwana, Director of Student Affairs; Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport; and representatives from the Mopeli Royal House.

Panellists addressed a range of issues and challenges encountered by young men within their communities and university environments, and provided a platform for dialogue and support. Ntshepi Lesenyeho, Assistant Officer in the Qwaqwa Campus's Social Support Office, emphasised the project's goal of nurturing conscientious, knowledgeable, and responsible citizens capable of making meaningful contributions to their families, communities, and beyond.

Lesenyeho highlighted the project's proactive approach to addressing gender-based violence (GBV), including the integration of education on consent and personal development. "Every event we host for Lekgotla, we structure it in a way that we teach our students about gender-based violence, consent, and how to be a better person,” she said.

He expressed optimism about the project’s potential future impact, adding, "Last year we reached a target of 1 337 young men, and we are hoping to increase the number by double for this year."

Speakers emphasised that the Lekgotla Men’s Well-being Project stands as a testament to the UFS's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all its students, with a particular focus on the holistic development of its male student body. Through initiatives like this one, the university strives to create a community where every individual feels valued, empowered, and equipped to thrive, both academically and personally.