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13 November 2018
Photo Moeketsi Mogotsi
Kovsies took an active stance against sexual and gender-based violence through various campaigns in October.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced that South Africa will launch a national strategic plan to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) after years of lobbying by activists. Speaking at the Presidential GBV Summit, the head of state commended activists who called for a nationwide shut down in August in response to high levels of GBV and femicide in the country. He says the government is now reviewing national GBV plans and will develop a national action plan.
Activism at the UFS
One of the efforts launched by the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Gender and Sexual Equity (GSE) Office in the fight against this plague is the # RESPECTME campaign. From 11 to 26 October 2018, the university held its own 16 Days of Activism.
Geraldine Lengau of the GSE Office believes that minority groups deserve the same amount of respect as all other citizens of this country, which is the core concept of the campaign. “The Campaign is a loudhailer to say, ‘just because I am different from you’, be it gender or sexuality, it doesn’t mean that I deserve any less respect,” she highlighted.
Lengau added: “Activism will forever remain important on our campuses as it creates an environment where the community is made aware of matters that would otherwise not have mattered had they not been publicised. Also activism becomes all the more important in advancing the university’s strategic plan.”
Policies advocating against GBV
As stipulated in the UFS Sexual Harassment, Misconduct and Sexual Violence Policy the university strongly believes in the principle of human dignity that is entrenched in the Constitution of South Africa (1996) which resolves to ensure a safe working and study environment for students.
Student Affairs also led a campaign which aimed to highlight the ongoing scourge of sexual and gender-based violence, in line with the policy. “The university is working relentlessly at endorsing the aspects and characteristic traits of respect amongst all of its stakeholders in an effort to reduce the notion of gender-based violence,” said the Dean of Student Affairs, Pura Mgolombane.
A Kovsie crowned Miss Free State 2016
2016-05-27
Mienke van Rooyen, a student at Kovsies and the new Miss Free State at the crowning. Photo: Wiaan Coffee Photography
A third-year BCom Marketing student, Mienke van Rooyen, continued the legacy of beauties from the University of the Free State. She was crowned Miss Free State on Saturday 21 May 2016 at the Sand Du Plessis Theatre in Bloemfontein.
In 2015, Van Rooyen took the Miss Intercontinental title at the annual Model SA International competition. She was overwhelmed by the support received throughout her journey. “I'm still searching for words to describe my appreciation to every single person who supported me up until now. “Thank you” will never be enough. I am proud to be a part of the Miss Free State family. Thank you for believing in me and my dream,” she wrote on her Facebook fan page.
Earlier this year, another Kovsie made us proud. Elizabeth Molapo walked away with the Miss SA First Princess title.
Rolene Strauss also flew the Kovsie flag at Miss World competition in 2015 when she became the reigning queen. Strauss was crowned Miss SA the year before.