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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

SAFOS seeks to integrate folklore studies into education
2015-10-15

From the left are: Bahedile Letlala, Dr Elias Malete, Hannetjie du Toit, Dr Sara Motsei, Dr Edwin Mohatlane and Prof Mogomme Masoga.

The University of the Free State was proud to host the national conference of the Southern African Folklore Society which took place on 7-9 October 2015 on the Bloemfontein Campus. The focus of the conference was on how to integrate folklore studies into the 21st century.

Keynote speakers for the conference included Prof Antoinette Tidjani-Alou (Professor of French and Comparative Literature at University Abdou Moumouni), Prof Mogomme Alpheus Masoga (University of Venda), and Prof Mohlomi Moleleki (University of the Free State).

The speakers approached their subjects in great detail, tackling issues surrounding identity, social cohesion, and orality on the African context. One of the main co-ordinators of this event, Dr Elias Malete from the Department of African Languages at the UFS, highlighted one of the speaker’s topics, which focused on the importance of harnessing a collectivistic culture, as the African context does not entertain individualism. When asked about how such a conference fits into the UFS context, and where it could be applied, Malete mentioned the burning issue of the language policy review. He believes that: “The language should be inclusive, in as much as our theme says we cannot entertain individualistic approaches, but need to include everybody.” This is achieved through working with the Language Departments,” he said.

In particular, the topic presented by Prof Moleleki from the Department of African Languages, explored how the self-perception of an African, both as an integral member of his society as well as an independent individual, not only informs but also underpins his identity.

In all the topic discussed, the importance of coherence, transparency, and correctness was noted.

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