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03 October 2018 | Story UFS | Photo Katlego Sekele
Empowering students to speak up about sexual violations
Students engaged authorities and Student Affairs representatives on sexual and gender-based matters.

Do you know enough about the Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Violence policy adopted by the university in June 2018? The Office for Gender and Sexual Equity (GSE) at the University of the Free State (UFS) hosted a dialogue on the role of the institution in matters of sexual and gender-based violence and addressing issues surrounding sexual violations. 

Developments such as the countrywide #TotalShutdown: Intersectional Women’s March Against Gender-based Violence last month serve as proof of the dire need for issues surrounding sexual violations to inform policies and active safety measures.

Policy purpose

According to the policy, the objectives are to create a safe and enabling environment, establish a common understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and sexual violence, provide applicable and accurate information, ensure that victims receive the necessary support, clearly outline disciplinary procedures for perpetrators, and clarify institutional accountability.

Student’s take on solutions

Tammy Fray, a member of the Student Representative Council, who formed part of the panel at the discussion, says the policy is not a one-stop-shop solution. “The policy is a guiding document. We have to then use it to inform activist work. We cannot always put the onus on policies and codes of conducts to solve problems. However it is our responsibility within this academic space to come up with solutions that enhance the way the policy works.”

Be informed about the policy

It is important to understand the stipulations of the policy in order to make full use of it. Geraldine Lengau, Officer at the GSE said: “It’s important that students know that the institution is not operating in silos but that their demands have been heard and the institution has acknowledged that there is a need for the policy to be adopted. It also makes the process of reporting better with the assistance of the Sexual Assault Response Team coordinator.”

News Archive

Meet our Council: Christo Dippenaar, 'n oud-Kovsie vir oud-Kovsies
2016-12-26

Description: Christo Dippenaar, council member Tags: Christo Dippenaar, council member 

Christo Dippenaar, former Kovsie
and current UFS councillor.
Photo: Johann Roux


Christo Dippenaar knows the University of the Free State (UFS) very well. He started his studies at the UFS in 1992 and later obtained a BProc degree. During his years at university, he was Prime of Hendrik Verwoerd Residence (1994), served on the Student Representative Council in the portfolio Men Intern (1995), and in the following year he was Deputy President of the Student Representative Council. He was also residence head of the former Reitz Apartments.

A thorough knowledge of the university
Thanks to this broad background, he has a thorough knowledge of the university, its history, procedures, principles and its people. It is therefore no surprise that Dippenaar was elected to the Council by UFS alumni. Dippenaar, or “Dippies” as he is also known, has served on the Council since 2014. In addition, he has a child who is currently studying at the UFS and therefore he has more than just a theoretical interest in what is happening at the UFS.

He is of the opinion that, in his capacity as UFS councillor, he could be a true mouthpiece for former Kovsies.

"As councillor, I can ask the necessary questions to ensure fair and just treatment of all stakeholders."

A man with diverse interests
His legal knowledge also comes in handy in his role as councillor. Dippenaar was formerly employed at Honey Attorneys and at Horn and Van Rensburg, but in 2008 he started his own practice which is also operating in Lesotho.

He describes his wife, Hanlie, as his best friend and soul mate. His eldest son, Johann, is studying BSc Quantity Surveying at the UFS, while another son, Pieter, is in Grade 10 in Grey College. His daughter, Anneke, is in Grade 6 in Universitas Primary.

Asked about his passions, he says rugby and fine Brahman cross-breed cattle are equally attractive to him. Thus, a man with diverse interests and a highly demanding career, but also a former Kovsie with a passion for other former Kovsies and for his alma mater.

 

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