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29 September 2023 | Story Nicole Bongo | Photo Supplied
The UFS held a KovsieCares GBV activation to raise awareness around gender-based violence and inform students about available support systems.
The University of the Free State (UFS) held a KovsieCares GBV Activation at the Thakaneng Bridge on its Bloemfontein Campus on 22 September 2023, as part of the university’s Bsafe campaign against gender-based violence (GBV).

The event was held to inform students about the numerous resources and support systems provided by the UFS to stop GBV and provide support to those affected by it.


Gernus Terblanche, one of the event's organisers from the Division of Student Affairs, emphasised the importance of the initiative, saying, “The activation is mainly focused on the education [around] gender-based violence, and we invited all of the offices that deal with GBV of all sorts. The idea for the activation is to spread awareness and education, and also relay information about the resources available.”

Terblanche said that students are often unaware of the free resources at their disposal, and choose to suffer in silence. One of the aims for the event was to coach students in how to address GBV issues and where to seek assistance if needed.

Mojalefa Rabolinyane, Assistant Officer at the Student Counselling and Development (SCD) Office, highlighted the wealth of free resources available to students. "We have different programmes at SCD that cater specifically to students,” she said. “If a student comes to our office with a case of GBV, the first thing we do is ensure they talk to a mental-healthcare professional to provide emotional support. Secondly, we work closely with the Protection Services to make it easier for students to report cases and file charges."

The organisers said various factors contribute to the prevalence of GBV, including substance abuse, gender roles, and societal pressures. They reiterated that the University of the Free State maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based violence, and a comprehensive support system is offered to aid victims of the scourge, including those affected by rape, sexual assault, and mental and physical abuse. 

For more information, please visit the kovsieLife page here.

You can also contact Gernus Terblanche at TerblancheGIDP@ufs.ac.za.
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News Archive

Qwaqwa Campus graduates encouraged to face the world with confidence
2015-05-14

 

Speech: Nikiwe Bikitsha 

The Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State conferred over 800 degrees during this year's graduation ceremonies that were held on 8-9 May 2015. These included four PhDs in Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
 
The guest speaker, eNCA's Nikiwe Bikitsha, encouraged graduates to make it their business to learn about everything, no matter where they go.
 
''Having a qualification does not mean that now there will be tasks that are beneath you. No task should ever be too insignificant for you to do,'' said Bikitsha.
 
''You should make it your business to know every aspect of your work because that is where you get opportunities. Find somebody to help you along. Asking questions sharpens your skills and broadens your horizons. Asking questions also communicates to your employers and associates that here is someone who needs to be groomed and nurtured.'' she added.
 
In his congratulatory message, UFS Chancellor, Dr Khotso Mokhele, challenged the graduates to face the journey ahead with confidence.
 
''The journey ahead depends entirely on you, '' he said.
 
''You may think it depends on your parents, your country or the government. But the truth is that this is your journey. What is critical now is the kind of choices you are going to make. There will be stumbling blocks along the way, but you have to make it through,'' said Dr Mokhele.
 
''As the university'’, he continued, ''we hope you are going to make transformative choices that will impact positively on our people, our country and our continent''.
 
Dr Mokhele paid a special tribute to the four PhD graduates, three of whom matriculated at  local Qwaqwa schools, with the fourth matriculating at Mafahlaneng, Tweeling.
 
World-renowned composer and playwright, Dr Mbongeni Ngema, provided musical entertainment.
 
Both ceremonies were attended by community, business and traditional leaders in the Maluti A Phofung area.
 
Also in attendance were over 500 grade 12 learners from Qwaqwa, Kestell, Harrismith and Bethlehem schools.

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