22 October 2026
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Story Teboho Mositi
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Photo Supplied
The 2026 Zero Tolerance to Sexual Misconduct Ambassadors
The initiative brought together students from all three UFS campuses, with ambassadors based at the Qwaqwa, Bloemfontein and South campuses. Throughout the year, they played an important role in raising awareness, promoting prevention and supporting efforts to address sexual misconduct.
Through their advocacy and engagement, the ambassadors helped promote a safe, inclusive and respectful campus environment where students can learn, grow and thrive free from harassment, discrimination, and violence.
The event opened with a reflection session during which the ambassadors shared their experiences and journeys throughout the year. They reflected on their involvement in the initiative, the lessons they had learnt and how their contributions helped raise awareness of sexual misconduct while promoting a culture of safety, respect and accountability across the campus.
In her address, Geraldine Lengau, Acting Head of the UICSJ, congratulated the ambassadors and encouraged them to carry the lessons and achievements of the programme into other areas of their academic lives.
“Whatever you have done this year, carry it with you in other areas of your academic life,” she said
Lengau emphasised that the recognition acknowledged the ambassadors’ understanding that university life extends beyond academic achievement. She reassured those who felt their contributions had been small that their efforts had nevertheless made a difference.
“You were recognised because you understood that your life at varsity is not just about academics. Some might feel that they did not do much, and that is fine. You still had an opportunity. Whatever you did, you were planting a seed, and that seed has been recognised for the great work you did. Take that effort and enthusiasm with you, and continue to level up,” she said.
A call for servant leadership
The ceremony also highlighted the importance of servant leadership and continued community involvement beyond university. Lengau encouraged the ambassadors to apply the values they had developed through the programme in their communities, extending their commitment to service beyond campus.
“This program was for you to become activated, to become servants, and to take that with you wherever you go, You were not just servants to your fellow community at UFS; you must also become servants to your communities back at home. That type of civic engagement and activism is what make helps people grow out of their shells,” she said.
Mpumelelo Malaza, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student, reflected on how serving as an ambassador had enabled her to contribute to efforts to address sexual and gender-based violence in South Africa. As a young woman, she viewed the opportunity as a way to move beyond frustration at the problem and become part of the change needed in society.
“For me, being an ambassador was about recognising that change does not always begin with grand gestures. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation, a willingness to speak up, or the courage to challenge something that has been normalised for far too long. It was an opportunity to move from simply acknowledging the problem to actively contributing to the solution, however small that contribution might seem,” she said.
The awards ceremony recognised the dedication and service of the student ambassadors to the UICSJ and the wider UFS community throughout the academic year. Their contributions reflect the importance of student participation in creating a campus culture grounded in safety, respect and accountability.
Through initiatives such as the Zero Tolerance to Sexual Misconduct Ambassadors Programme, the UFS continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive and equitable institutional culture across all three campuses.