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13 June 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Supplied
GBV UFS Values
Values are a powerful tool in the fight against gender-based violence.

Dr Choice Makhetha, a participant in a recent dialogue focused on the role of student leadership in eradicating gender-based violence (GBV), conveyed a pivotal message during her opening statement. She emphasised universities’ dedication to reshaping and instilling new values in the lives of students. This sentiment laid the foundation for an insightful discussion centred on the importance of values in combating GBV. 

"In university, we work hard to reshape and bring new values into students' lives,” said the Director of Student Affairs at Stellenbosch University, who is a former University of the Free State (UFS) Vice-Rector: External Relations, Dean of Student Affairs, and alumna.

The dialogue was a collaborative effort between the Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office and the Division of Student Affairs. It featured esteemed experts in student governance and leadership, including Sikhululekile Luwaca, Assistant Researcher in the UFS Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice, Prof Nicky Morgan, former UFS Vice-Rector: Operations, and Moema Motlogelwa, Assistant Director in Student Affairs.

The importance of being value-driven

Luwaca emphasised the need for student leaders to contemplate UFS values. He remarked, "Vision 130 commits us to be accountable. It affirms that those within the UFS will be held accountable. We are devoted to creating an environment that fosters exceptional teaching, learning, and scholarship, as well as caring for ourselves, our fellow human beings, and the natural environment. Our commitment lies in advancing the values of human dignity through ethical and transparent conduct, along with institutional responsibility."

In addition, Luwaca proposed the implementation of a prerequisite course on GBV for all students aspiring to hold positions in the Student Representative Council. This measure would further enhance awareness and understanding of GBV among future leaders.

Echoing similar sentiments, Prof Morgan advocated for justice and respect as fundamental guiding principles in all interactions. “Develop an internal compass of what is right – and that does not depend on laws, politics, or democracy. GBV among our leaders is not a political issue.”

With great power comes great responsibility

Motlogelwa's contribution focused on developing student leaders and addressing gender-based violence (GBV). He highlighted three key steps: awareness and education, advocacy and support, and strengthening partnerships. He emphasised the need for well-informed student leaders who understand university policies and referral systems. Motlogelwa also stressed the importance of advocating and supporting GBV prevention. Additionally, he proposed collaborative efforts with relevant entities to achieve common goals. Ultimately, the goal is to produce model citizens who embody the university's vision and values.

What values do we subscribe to as an institution? 

At the UFS, our values are integral to shaping our culture and guiding our actions and choices. These values include a commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact, as well as accountability, care, and social justice. These principles are articulated in Vision 130, our strategic intent to reposition the institution by the time of its 130th anniversary in 2034.

News Archive

Reverend Frank Chikane honours ‘Oom Bey’ at second Beyers Naudé Memorial Lecture for 2012
2012-09-11

Rev. Frank Chikane and Dr Choice Makhetha, Vice-Rector: External Relations at the UFS.
Photo: Stephen Collett
10 September 2012

The 9th Beyers Naude Memorial Lecture, a partnership initiative between the University of the Free State (UFS) and Kagiso Trust, was held on the South Campus of the university last week. The theme of the lecture focused on Collaborative partnership for social cohesion: Building of a nation with ethics.

Guest speaker, Reverend Frank Chikane, is a member of the UDF, ANC, Director-General in the Office of the President and a board member of Kagiso Trust.

In his speech, Rev. Chikane focused on the first 45 years in the life of Beyers Naudé, sketching a picture of a man who lived for what he believes in. When this former minister of the South African Dutch Reformed Church and member of the Broederbond, decided to question the morality of the Apartheid government after the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, he made some changes in his beliefs and started to play a big role in the struggle against apartheid.

“If one know about ‘Oom Bey’s’ earlier life, you will see how radical his contribution was in turning South Africa from a country on the brink of destruction to a country of peace. ‘Oom Bey’ must be seen as a role model, someone we can aspire to be in South Africa today,” Rev. Chikane said.

“From his legacy one sees elements of someone building a nation with ethics.

“He took sides with the poor against an unjust system. Power breaks cohesion. It makes people not to think,” Rev. Chikane said.

If Afrikaners and black people stood together after the South African War (Anglo-Boer War), we would have talked a different language today. However, they did not. Afrikaners stood together, excluding black people and cohesion between all races was destructed. ‘Oom Bey’ tried to build relationships between people from all races in South Africa in an effort to create peace amongst all people. He was alienated from the Broederbond and defrockedrom the church.

In his speech, Rev. Chikane also said that South Africa did not succeed in collaborative partnerships in terms of the economy. “We need collaborative action to change our economy. This specific failure can destroy all that we have built together.”

“All South Africans can be like ‘Oom Bey” and make a contribution, especially in terms of the economy. To deal with this challenge, we can all contribute. This is important because due to a poor economy, many people are desperate and desperate people can destroy any relationship that we might have built so far.”

At this event, the university and Kagiso Trust also announced the winners of a poetry and essay competition that coincided with this last Beyers Naudé lecture for 2012. The award ceremony looked at the creativity of the learners, how they expressed themselves as well as the novelty of their work. Students as well as learners from schools in the Free State participated in the competition and first, second and third place winners received cash prizes as well as a book from Rev. Frank Chikane for their brilliant work.
 

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