22 October 2026
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Story Christelle du Toit
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Photo Supplied
The University of the Free State's Sexual Offence Response Team (SORT) brings together key university departments to coordinate responses to sexual misconduct and gender-based violence. Through awareness initiatives, reporting guidance, counselling, and institutional processes, SORT works to ensure that staff and students know where to turn for assistance and how to access support.
The University of the Free State (UFS) is strengthening its response to sexual misconduct and gender-based violence (GBV) through the Sexual Offence Response Team (SORT), which coordinates reporting, support, and institutional processes across all three campuses.
According to Dimakatso Mokoaqatsa, assistant researcher in the Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice (UICJS), SORT brings together university departments to help staff and students report incidents, access support services, and understand the processes available to them, by employing a survivor-centred approach.
The approval of the UFS Zero Tolerance to Sexual Misconduct Policy in September 2026 further strengthened the institutional framework supporting this work.
Coordinated reporting and support
Campus Protection Services (CPS) investigates reported incidents within its mandate, while the Student Discipline and Mediation Unit (SDMU) handles disciplinary processes involving students. Employee Relations Management (ERM) manages cases involving staff members. The UICSJ coordinates the team and leads advocacy for the UFS’ adoption of a zero-tolerance stance on SGBV through sensitisation and transformation-focused initiatives.
Those affected can access medical and psychosocial support, including medical assistance through the Health and Wellness Centre, counselling through Student Counselling and Development for students and Lyra Wellbeing for staff, and referrals to external services where appropriate.
Information is handled sensitively and shared only with relevant people on a need-to-know basis. CPS can also assist with reporting to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Prevention starts with awareness
In April 2026, the UICJS led the Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign, sharing information and displaying posters and billboards at the entrances of all three campuses. Since June, additional materials explaining reporting procedures have been displayed at busy points around the Bloemfontein Campus.
The Know Your Support event on the Qwaqwa Campus in August also helped students learn more about SORT and other university support services.
SORT recorded an increase in reports during July. This is likely due to improved reporting mechanisms, as well as greater confidence in support services. Greater awareness may be encouraging more people to come forward.
Mokoaqatsa emphasises that awareness and education are central to changing attitudes and preventing sexual misconduct.
“Addressing sexual misconduct requires more than responding to reported cases. It also involves changing attitudes, challenging harmful behaviour, and promoting a culture where sexual misconduct is not tolerated.”
Building a culture of accountability
SORT's priorities include supporting the implementation of the Zero Tolerance to Sexual Misconduct Policy across all three campuses. Plans include working with student ambassadors to raise awareness, training student leaders to respond appropriately when approached for help, and equipping staff to understand their responsibilities and the relevant procedures.
Mokoaqatsa explains that this work depends on collaboration between university departments, ensuring that staff and students understand how to report incidents and access appropriate support.
“Ultimately, SORT aims to ensure that those affected are treated with dignity and care, that reports are handled through the appropriate processes, and that the UFS community takes collective responsibility for creating a safer and more inclusive environment.”
Through this coordinated approach, SORT aims to make reporting and support services more accessible while promoting accountability and the fair handling of allegations.
Need assistance or support?
- During office hours (Monday to Friday, 07:30–16:30): 051 401 7777
- After-hours toll-free line: 0800 204 682
- UFS Student Careline: 0800 00 6363
The UFS encourages anyone who has experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct or GBV to seek assistance through the available reporting and support channels.