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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

Eusebius McKaiser delivers public lecture celebrating Library Week

2013-03-12

Eusebius McKaiser
Photo: Johan Roux
12 March 2013

The UFS Library and Information Services will celebrate South African Library Week with a public lecture by writer and political analyst, Eusebius McKaiser.

McKaiser, one of South Africa’s most influential figures, will speak about his book A Bantu in My Bathroom, his life, his love for reading and writing and the value of libraries.

Eusebius McKaiser is a political and social analyst at the Wits Centre for Ethics. He is also a top international debate coach, MC and public speaker, having been both former National South African Debate Champion and the 2011 World Master’s Debate Champion. His analytical articles are widely published in South African newspapers and he has a weekly column in the New York Times. He holds Law and Philosophy degrees from Rhodes and Oxford Universities

Thursday 14 March 2013
Mabaleng Auditorium (opposite the Faculty of Education)
17:00

Library week is celebrated annually in the third week of March with a different theme for each year. The main idea behind library week is to promote and increase awareness of the importance and the place that libraries hold in the broader community. The theme will also provide us with an opportunity to bring to the attention of the country and our leaders the role that libraries play in educating communities and the nation.

This year’s theme is “Educate yourself @ your library through displays and events.”

Enquiries: Marcus Maphile at +27(0)51 401 9393 or Maphilelm@ufs.ac.za

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