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UFS declares zero-tolerance against gender-based violence

24 November 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo SUPPLIED

UFS KovsieCare GBV Social Media — The UFS is joining forces with the international community during the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

As the world will soon commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign, the University of the Free State (UFS) joins the fight against this pervasive issue. Dedicated to eradicating GBV and fostering a safe environment, the institution has pledged an unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance stance against all forms of GBV.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global initiative that starts on 25 November 2023 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – and concludes on 10 December 2023 – Human Rights Day. The theme for this year, ‘Accelerating actions to end gender-based violence and femicide: leaving no one behind’, emphasises the need for a comprehensive, inclusive effort to combat GBV.

Legislation addressing GBV

Gender-based violence, rooted in the systemic imbalance of power and authority, manifests in multifaceted forms that encompass emotional, physical, financial, and sexual abuse, among others. Recognising the gravity of this issue, parliament has enacted laws, including the Domestic Violence Act of 1998 and the Children's Act of 2005, striving to safeguard individuals from such atrocities and championing fundamental human rights.

The UFS, aligned with parliament's vision and encapsulating its own Vision 130 within the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering a culture of accountability, care, and social justice within its staff and student community.

The significance of activism

Dr Lentsu Nchabeleng, Deputy Director in the Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office (GEADO), emphasised the pivotal role of the 16 Days of Activism in societal progress. “Advocacy plays an important role in prevention by promoting education and awareness. Advocacy challenges harmful societal norms and stereotypes that contribute to gender-based violence and can help foster a culture of equality and respect," she stated.

Useful resources

The UFS has provided resources for the staff and student community, including frequently asked questions (FAQs) about GBV and sexual offences, aiming to clarify these important matters. Help and reporting avenues for GBV and sexual misconduct are available on the Bloemfontein and South campuses, with similar support available on the Qwaqwa Campus, underscoring the university's dedication to a safe and supportive environment for all.

Click to download the resource documents:

Important contacts

The university has also implemented support systems, including dedicated 24-hour toll-free helplines for reporting GBV and sexual offenses, underscoring its commitment to addressing this epidemic.

GEADO toll-free: 0800 204 682
UFS Student Careline toll-free: 0800 00 6363

News Archive

Sisulu Calls for Mugabe to go

2008-08-08

Human rights activist and renowned author, Ms Elinor Sisulu, has called on the president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, to step down.

Ms Sisulu made this call during her presentation of the Women’s Day lecture, titled: “Voiceless and voteless, fleeing zanuphobia into xenophobia: A Zimbabwean woman’s perspective of National Women’s Day” at the University of the Free State (UFS) on Wednesday.

She said thousands of Zimbabweans who fled their country because of violence will not return home unless Mugabe steps down.

“For the Zimbabweans in diaspora, what Mugabe symbolizes is so powerful that as long as he is there as a ceremonial president they will not return home. So the simple message from the South African office of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition is that Mugabe must go”, she said.

She also lambasted the southern African region generally, and South Africa in particular, for its silence over what she calls “Zanu-PF orchestrated violence” that triggered the current refugee influx in the region.

“The South African government was totally silent on the loss of life of innocent and vulnerable Zimbabweans. The mediator said nothing about it”, she said in a clear reference to president Thabo Mbeki, the SADC-appointed mediator.

She said for the Zimbabweans who had to flee to South Africa it was a case of “jumping from the frying pan into the fire”, fleeing Zanuphobia to xenophobia”.

She, however, appealed to the South Africans to raise their voices about the refugee problem that is not only besetting this country, but the whole region.

Ms Sisulu was born in Zimbabwe and she works in the South African office for the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, the major umbrella body of Zimbabwean non-gobernmental organizations.

Media Release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt.stg@ufs.ac.za
07 August 2008

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