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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.

News Archive

Kovsies bring home four medals
2011-08-22

 

Bruno Schwalbach and Balungile Ngofe

As part of the Protea Karate Team, two Kovsies represented South Africa at the Senior Commonwealth Karate Championships that took place in Sydney, Australia in July 2011.

Bruno Schwalbach achieved a three-medal haul, winning a silver medal in the Senior Kata, a bronze in die Senior o.67 kg Kumite and a bronze in the Senior Team Kumite. Balungile Ngofe achieved a prestigious fifth place in the Senior u.60 kg Kumite and a bronze medal in the Team Kumite.

Both Kovsies earned a place in the prestigious five-man Team Event, where the top-five fighters from each country competed head to head against other countries in what comprises the tournament's main event. South Africa narrowly lost the semifinal to Australia (the gold medallists), but still received a bronze medal.

These are excellent results at such prestigious karate championships, where most top achievers are world-cup medallists. Bruno Schwalbach was also selected to be part of the karateka South African Protea Karate Team that will represent South Africa at the All Africa Games in Maputo from 30 August 2011 to 23 September 2011. In October this year, Bruno will also represent South Africa as part of the National u.21 Protea Team, which will compete in the WKF World Karate Championships in Melaka, Malaysia.

 

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