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13 December 2023 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Siyabonga Mazibuko and Anthony Mthembu
Sharon Pinky Kekana
Sharon Pinky Kekana: Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.

The Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office (GEADO) at the University of the Free State (UFS), in collaboration with the Central University of Technology (CUT), recently concluded its fourth bi-annual Gender Practitioners Community of Practice (CoP) conference in Clarens. The event, held from 28 to 30 November 2023, drew participation from gender practitioners representing all 26 Universities across the country. Distinguished guest speaker, Sharon Pinky Kekana, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, added valuable insights to the discussions.

Tumelo Rasebopye, Chairperson of the Gender Practitioners Community of Practice (CoP), outlined the conference’s key objectives, emphasising the need for thorough and robust engagement on issues raised in previous gatherings and the provision of essential tools for practitioners to implement upon their return to their institutions. Rasebopye stressed, ‘Part of the conference is to ensure that we engage in developing a common understanding and act at a baseline level to address the dynamics in our institutions.’’

The themes explored throughout the Conference

The conference delved into various themes through panel discussions and guest speaker sessions, covering topics such as masculinity, culture, and consent. However, the primary focus was on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), particularly pertinent during the ‘16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.’ Kekana, in her address, considered the conference theme, ‘Accelerating actions to end gender-based violence & femicide: leaving no one behind,’ as a call to action. She urged attendees to continue to raise awareness about the devastating impact of GBVF on women, children and the nation as a whole, citing alarming statistics of 969 women murdered in the first three months of the year. 

Advocate Brenda Madumise, Co-Founder of the Wise Collective, highlighted flaws in the national justice system, pointing to prolonged sexual assault cases and the trauma inflicted on survivors during the waiting period.

Resolutions

Reflecting on the conference, Kekana deemed the discussions as an eye-opener, stressing an integrated approach involving various societal entities, including the church and religious leaders. The gender practitioners pledged to collaborate with groups such as the Student Representative Council (SRC) within their institutions to foster inclusivity.  Rasebopye affirmed, ‘’Our existence is fundamental towards the transformation of higher education, and these conferences will inform the necessary actions towards that course.’’

The GEADO, in partnership with CUT, continues to champion gender equality through informed and actionable discussions. The conference not only raised awareness about GBVF but also galvanized gender practitioners to play an active role in fostering inclusive environments within higher education institutions.
Sharon Pinky Kekana: Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Sharon Pinky Kekana: Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Sharon Pinky Kekana: Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Sharon Pinky Kekana: Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Advocate Brenda Madumise: Co-Founder of the Wise Collective
Advocate Brenda Madumise: Co-Founder of the Wise Collective
Audience participating in creating inclusive spaces within higher learning institutions.
Audience participating in creating inclusive spaces within higher learning institutions.
Audience participating in creating inclusive spaces within higher learning institutions.
Audience participating in creating inclusive spaces within higher learning institutions.
Sharon Pinky Kekana: Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Sharon Pinky Kekana: Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Lecturer and Head of Department for Interior Design at the Tshwane University of Technology
Lecturer and Head of Department for Interior Design at the Tshwane University of Technology
Audience participating in creating inclusive spaces within higher learning institutions.
Audience participating in creating inclusive spaces within higher learning institutions.
Dr Molapo Qhobela, Sharon Pinky Kekana, and Tumelo Rasebopye
Dr Molapo Qhobela, Sharon Pinky Kekana, and Tumelo Rasebopye

News Archive

Official opening of Faculty of Health Sciences Rural Community Initiative
2017-01-01

Description: Karla Mostert Tags: Mail & Guardian, 200 Young South Africans, Candice Thikeson, Karla Mostert, Lerato Machetela, Mandela Rhodes Scholar, Thapelo Mokoatsi

Ribbon cutting, Prof van Zyl and Ms du Plessis
Venter (community member)

The Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of the Free State (UFS) has, as part of its commitment to student and community development, established a student residence in the town of Trompsburg in the Kopanong Local municipality, Xhariep District municipality in the Southern Free State. The Faculty officially opened the Faculty of Health Sciences Rural Community Initiative on 14 and 15 June 2017. The memorial plaque was unveiled by Prof Gert van Zyl (Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences) and Prof Francis Petersen (Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State)

The importance of the residence

The goal of the ‘Kopanang le fodise – Unite to heal’ programme is to develop a community-centered collaborative framework for sustainable, holistic healthcare and social development incorporated in the curricula of the Faculty.

Background of the project

During 2016 a total of 324 fourth-year students of the Faculty have each spend at least a week in interprofessional groups in primary healthcare facilities in the Kopanong municipality on a Community Based Education, Interprofessional Education (CBE-IPE) platform in Trompsburg and Springfontein.

To facilitate student rural placement the former Midway guesthouse currently includes seven (7) facilitator units with on suite bathrooms, two (2) fully equipped lecture facilities, a recreation room and a library with computers and internet access. The newly developed student residence has 10 apartments that can each accommodate six (6) individuals. A housemaster resides on the premises and acts as manager of the facility. All areas of the residence are Wifi covered and 24h security service is in place.

The ceremony was attend by the following partners

University of the Free State (UFS)

Rector and Vice Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Prof Francis Petersen.
Members of the UFS council, Dr Vinger and Dr Swart
Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof van Zyl.
The Head of the School of Allied Health Professions, Dr van Vuuren.
The Head of the School of Medicine, Prof Kruger.
Faculty from the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Members from UFS institutional support department: ICT, Finance, Facilities management

Kopanong local municipality

Councilor Basholo, representing the Kopanong local municipality.
Kopanong local community members
Free State Department of Education (DoE)
Free State Department of Health (DoH)

Private sector partners

Mr Burgess, CEO of MDG Heath Solutions
The Mother And Child Academic Hospital (MACAH) represented by Prof Venter, head of department of Paediatrics, donated two (2) state of the art baby scales to the rural health programme.

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

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