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Eradicating gender-based violence

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

UFS honours young researchers

2006-02-10

Some of the guests attending the recognition function were from the left: Prof Magda Fourie (Vice-Rector: Academic Planning at the UFS), Mr Joseph Smiles (lecturer at the UFS Department of Political Science and Thuthuka grant holder), Prof Frans Swanepoel (Director: Research Development at the UFS) and Dr Carlien Pohl (lecturer at the UFS Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology and Thuthuka grant holder).
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

The guest speaker was Prof Jonathan Jansen, Dean: Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria (UP). He gave tips to young and promising researchers on how to be an outstanding scholar.
What is a Scholar

UFS honours young researchers

The University of the Free State (UFS) last night honoured 24 young researchers who are taking part in the National Research Fund’s (NRF) Thuthuka programme.

The recognition function is the first of its kind at the UFS. “The renewed focus on research development that was recently announced at the official opening of the UFS by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Frederick Fourie, is an indication of the institution’s endeavour to create an environment in which research can be improved and flourish. This can only be obtained when researchers are being valued and that is why it is important to honour our young researchers,” said Mrs Annelize Venter, researcher at the UFS Research Development Directorate and coordinator of the programme.

The focus on research was also touched on recently by President Thabo Mbeki during the opening of Parliament when he said: “We will continue to engage the leadership of our tertiary institutions focused on working with them to meet the nation’s expectations with regard to teaching and research. For its part, the government is determined to increase the resource allocation for research and development and innovation, and increase the pool of young researchers."

According to Mrs Venter, research done in 2004 shows that the majority researchers who publish are white males above the age of 50. “Many students who undertake magister studies choose not to conduct research, but rather to do a thesis and additional subjects. This means that research is not stimulated. Students also find it difficult to obtain financial support for postgraduate studies,” she explained.
“Thutuka is a capacity building programme of the NRF that is aimed to
fund and support the qualifications of women and young black scientists and other researchers who do not have a rating for postgraduate research. It is based on a funding partnership between the UFS and the NRF,” said Mrs Venter.

Last night Prof Frans Swanepoel, Director: Research Development at the UFS, added to his by saying: “With the Thuthuka programme we aim to create and sustain a research culture at the UFS, promote international research and train researchers of a high quality and enhance the research capacity at the UFS by focusing on women, black researchers and other promising researchers.”

The programme was started by the NRF in 2001. At that stage only 17 grants were made countrywide. Last year 370 postgraduate students took part in the programme.

According to Mrs Venter the programme was implemented at the UFS in 2003. “At that stage we only had 5 grant holders. This year there are 24 Ph D and magister students on the programme,” she said.

A couple of young promising researchers, who will be participating in the programme in 2007, also attended last night’s recognition function.

The guest speaker was Prof Jonathan Jansen, Dean: Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria (UP). He gave tips to young and promising researchers on how to be an outstanding scholar.

Nine professors were also congratulated with their promotion to senior research professor, namely Proff Louise Cilliers (Department of English and Classical Languages), James du Preez (Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology), Johan Grobbelaar (Department of Plant Sciences), Dingie Janse van Rensburg (Centre for Health Systems Research and Development), Dap Louw (Department of Psychology), Philip Nel (Department of Afro-asiatic Studies and Language Practice and Sign Language), Louis Scott (Department of Plant Sciences), Dirk van den Berg (Department of History of Art) and Andries Raath (Department of Constitutional Law and Philosophy of Law).

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
10 February 2006

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