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#KovsieCares Bsafe event reminds UFS students of support available related to gender-based violence

29 September 2023 | Story Nicole Bongo | Photo Supplied

GBV 4 — 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.

A variety of support structures participated in the event, including Protection Services, the Student Counselling and Development Office, the Division of Student Affairs, the Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office, and the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support.

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.

News Archive

Meet the person behind the new #FaceOfFacebook

2016-05-19

Reuben “R” Davids

The votes have been counted, and we have a winner! After much excitement and a fairly close contest, Reuben “R” Davids emerged victorious from the top five contestants selected by our panel of judges. We chatted with the vibrant and enthusiastic Mr Davids to get a sense of the person who will be our Facebook ambassador for the next year.

What does the “R” stand for?

“Interestingly, some also know me as Vuyo. It's not a name on my birth certificate or anything; I just really like it. And I also coincidentally found out that it means “joy/happiness”, and I do enjoy being happy.”

What is your field of study, and how far along are you?

“I am pursuing a career in the economics field as a third-year BCom Accounting student in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences here at the University of the Free State.”

Are you originally from Bloemfontein?

“Yes, born and bred. I've been a Bloem Kid since day one.”

How is it that you ended up here, studying at the UFS?

“The UFS has always been one of my favourite universities. During my high school period, I was constantly exposed to people from my neighbourhood as well as schoolmates who performing excellently here at UFS, and it didn't go unnoticed. So I have always been drawn to the prestige that UFS carries.”

Which residence are you in, and what do you enjoy most about res life?

“I currently stay at home with the family, but for my first 2 years of study I resided at ConLaurês. What I enjoyed the most about res life is the freedom and independence that you get. It also enables one to participate in campus life much easier. It actually helps one grow and mature into the adult you're supposed to become with all the challenges and responsibilities that you're faced with.”

What do you hope to accomplish during your term as the #FaceOfFacebook?

“I enjoy the art of presenting (as well as being an MC), and being the #FaceOfFacebook will enable me to exercise that skill. Also, my interaction skills will be exercised. That being said, I would like to have those skills developed further by the end of my term as #FaceOfFacebook.”

What is your motivation in your studies, in taking part in this contest, and in life?

“I am an adrenaline junkie. I like taking on challenge; so what I normally do is I set a certain goal for myself and then take on the challenge to achieve that goal. That's my number one motivating factor. And I think I'm also inspired by the failures and successes of myself and of those around me.”

Reuben has already been featured in a #PeopleOfKovsies post on Facebook, and appeared in his first Facebook video covering the Open Day on our Bloemfontein Campus.

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