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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

Qwaqwa Campus launches new degree in Community Development

2016-11-29

Photo (from the left): Morongoe Mohaleroe
(Department of Social Development), Albert Schoeman
(Assistant Dean: Faculty of the Humanities),
Dr Elsa Crause (Campus Vice-Principal:
Academic and Research), Grey Magaiza
(Programme Head: Community Development),
Dr Margie Maistry, and Prof Darren Lortan
(both from Durban University of Technology).

From 2017, the Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State will offer a new professional degree in Community Development. This was revealed during the launch that was recently held on the campus.

Speakers acknowledged the positive contribution the new degree was expected to make in the region, especially in mobilising the civil society to join hands with the government in improving the quality of life in South Africa.

“There has always been a dire need for such a degree in this part of the country,” said Morongoe Mohaleroe, the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Director in the Department of Social Development.

“Our department is working hard at both national and provincial levels to professionalise this sector, and the qualification will definitely help in that regard,” she said.

Mohaleroe also thanked the campus for supporting her department with community-based research and studies by students.

Speaking during the launch, the Campus Vice-Principal: Academic and Research, Dr Elsa Crause, said the campus was proud to be the first in the country to offer this professional qualification.

‘‘What has brought us all here today, is history in the making,’’ she said to an audience consisting of a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government and civil society structures like Save the Children and World Vision.

“Our campus will be the first in South Africa to offer this type of degree and a maximum of only 35 students will be accepted,” she added.

For more details, prospective students may contact Grey Magaiza (Programme Head: Community Development) at magaizag@ufs.ac.za or +27 58 718 5419.

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