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Xhosa Student Association and GEADO host dialogue about gender-based violence

05 September 2023 | Story Nicole Bongo | Photo Supplied

GBV dialogue 2023 — The UFS Xhosa Student Association and Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office joined forces to host a dialogue to enlighten students on combating gender-based violence.

The Xhosa Student Association at the University of the Free State (UFS), along with the UFS Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office (GEADO) on its Bloemfontein Campus, recently hosted a dialogue titled ‘Aiding the Victim’, to educate students about what perpetuates gender-based violence, and inform them about UFS support services available to help fight GBV.

The discussion was held at the Education Auditorium on 25 August 2023, and students were challenged to pinpoint what GBV is and what it looks like. Balisa Nqambuza, Chairperson of the Xhosa Student Association and second-year BA student majoring in psychology and philosophy, said, “There is a need to have these tough conversations, as they provide insight on how to combat GBV in the future... We have had enough talks about the problem, and it is very important to start speaking about solutions that inform people of what they can do when encountering GBV.”

The event organisers said the dialogue was an opportunity for GEADO and the Xhosa Student Association to inform students about support structures within the university that provide help for students through free counselling sessions.

“The objective was to bring awareness about GBV victims amongst us, and how to assist them better, and to also highlight comprehensive approaches, as dialogues may discuss holistic approaches that address the multidimensional impact of GBV, including psychological, emotional, physical, and economic consequences,” said Pebetsi Kgole, a guest speaker and intern from GEADO.

In May 2023, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund reported a shocking rise in violence against women in South Africa, with 969 murders and 1 485 attempted murders recorded over this period. The UFS has put many structures in place to help in the fight against the scourge of GBV.

Other support services available include a sexual offense response team made up of GEADO, Protection Services, Kovsie Health, access to psychologists and social workers, and free services to help victims feel safe in a secure environment.

News Archive

Lecturer publishes a book in New York

2008-12-01

Prof. Pieter Verster (left) hands over a copy of his new book to Prof. Francois Tolmie, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the UFS.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

What should the church seek to accomplish in missionary work? This question is asked by Prof. Pieter Verster, head of the Department of Missiology at the University of the Free State (UFS), in his new book “A Theology of Christian Mission: What should the Church Seek to Accomplish”. The book was published in New York by The Edwin Mellen Press: Lewiston, Queenston, Lampeter. The Biblical foundation of missionary work is thoroughly analysed. It also gives information on missionary work in Africa among Muslims and among poor people. In the foreword Prof. Bram van de Beek, writes “…this book exceeds the boundaries of classical dogmatics: it shows that faith without conversion is empty…” Prof. Van de Beek was formerly dean of the Faculty of Theology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Prof. Verster holds a doctorate in Missiology as well as in Dogmatics.

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