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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

It’s time for Stagedoor again!

2013-03-12

12 March 2013

It’s time for Stagedoor again! Mounting excitement is spreading across the Bloemfontein Campus in anticipation for this annual art and culture event.

Stagedoor is a fun-filled musical theatre competition between campus and city residences. This year's theme is ‘LIKE A BOSS’ and residences will battling it out in the rotations on 12 and 13 March 2013. Finals will take place on Saturday 16 March.

“This year we're excited to welcome two new residences, Outeniqua and ConLaurês, to the competition,” says Tonderai Chiyindiko, Senior Officer: Arts and Culture: Student Life and Leadership.

“We've also aligned the rotations in line with our Colleges format system. So what that means is in each college three residences were randomly chosen by all the Residence Committee members for Arts and Culture to be the main host venues for each particular college.”

The number of finalists has also been increased to seven female and six male residences.

Rotations Venues

West College: Conlaures, Outeniqua, Vishuis
South College: Emily Hobhouse, Armentum
North College: Vergeet-My-Nie, Madelief, Tswelopele
East College: Khayalami, Roosmaryn
Central College: Soetdoring, Karee

Tickets for the final on 16 March: R30 Students; R50 Non-students.
Venue: Kovsie Church
Tickets are available in office 46 in the SRC Building.

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