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01 June 2023 | Story Danelle Fisher | Photo Supplied
South Campus SRC uses conversations to break gender bias
Students listening attentively to speakers at the Break the Bias Conversations held at Legae Residence on the South Campus.

On 24 May 2023, the University of the Free State (UFS) South Campus Student Representative Council (SRC) held the Break the Bias Conversations dialogue at Legae Residence on the South Campus to talk about biases faced by the LGBTQI+ community. 

Established in 2022, the initiative aims to educate students on the different issues faced by students on a daily basis. "This dialogue aimed to educate students on a wide range of topics related to mental health, safety, and racial disparities experienced by our students," states Gonste Choane, Senior Officer, Kovsie Support. 

The SRC has created a safe space for students to address biases towards the LGBTQI+ community, with topics on awareness surrounding the community, including discrimination, sexual health, stereotypes and stigmatisation, and becoming more aware of conscious and unconscious biases and being willing to question ourselves and others. "There was a need to start dialogues/engagements among South Campus students regarding issues they encounter on a regular basis," added Choane. 

The dialogue was attended by South Campus students, the Gender Equity and Anti-Discrimination Office, and associations and NGOs centred around the LGBTQI+ community. "It's important for the university community to be aware of these dialogues in order to provide the necessary support mechanisms that will enhance the academic success of all students," said Choane.  

Guest speakers from diverse backgrounds were invited to share their experiences with the students. 

“The initiative has successfully managed to open the door for open discussions among students regarding issues they face on a regular basis. The initiative's goal now being growth in collaboration with more campuses. "This dialogue aims to collaborate with other campuses in the future," said Choane. 

News Archive

RC leadership programme presented
2009-10-06

 
Last week a very successful leadership programme was presented for residents’ committee members of residences on the Main Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) at Summerwood outside Bloemfontein. Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, opened the programme and spoke about counter-cultural leadership.

He said that residents’ committees had to be the pioneers of the new generation of Kovsie leaders. “The qualities of the new generation of Kovsie leaders had to be that they should apply counter-cultural leadership; not think in the group, but be boundary crossing in their thought and leadership style; not think of themselves; display sacrifice leadership and be people-centred,” he said. He also said that the new generation of Kovsie leaders had to set an example through their leadership, think of their legacy, display an approach of service leadership and embrace change, instead of only tolerating it.

Here is Prof. Jansen with some of the residence committee members. From the left are: Fannie Zim, Villa Bravado; Chris Kamper, JBM; Kentse Mpolokeng, Akasia; Prof. Jansen and Anne-Marie Plekker, Marjolein.
Photo: Lacea Loader 

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