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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

Kovsie student to participate in G8 2013 Summit

2013-06-06

A Kovsie student is heading to London to attend the June G8 2013 Youth Summit. Tumelo Moreri is part of a chosen few who will walk among world class leaders as a delegate of the African Union.

The summit provides a platform for young leaders where they are able to collectively voice their opinions. It also gives them the opportunity to gain valuable insights on international diplomacy in order to tackle 21st century challenges head on.

The African Union delegation, of which Tumelo is part, includes representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. It consists of a Head of Government, Sherpa, Press Secretary, Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Finance, Minister of Justice, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Energy and Climate Change, Minister of Development, and Minister of Defence. They are responsible for developing and negotiating position papers with regards to the various ministerial positions.

Tumelo Moreri is a co-founder of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today in her home country, Botswana. She is currently the International Affairs Officer of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the Bloemfontein Campus. “The highlight for me is the fact that I am representing Africa. Africa’s voice will get to be heard through us,” says Moreri. “I see this as a huge opportunity to strive to make a contribution towards Africa and finding solutions unique to her problems. This will be a stepping stone to effecting change. This learning curve will shape and influence global discourse.”

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